Giant thoracolumbosacral teratoma in an infant

A case of sacrococcygeal teratoma with unusually high intraspinal extension is reported and the symptomatology and treatment are discussed. A 7-month-old male presented at birth with a prominent mass of the right gluteal region preventing him from straightening his legs and causing undue effort during defecation. Magnetic resonance T1-weighted imaging revealed a thoracolumbosacrococcygeal, partly cystic tumor with intraspinal extension up to the mid-thoracic spine. During two-staged surgery, a cystic tumor containing fragments of hair, teeth, and bone and adherent to its surroundings was completely removed. The histologic examination confirmed the presence of a benign teratoma. A neurogenic bladder of the lower-motor-neuron type and constipation improved spontaneously. No further neurological deficits before and during a 3-year postoperative follow-up period were recorded.