Diagnosis and management of a neonatal intralingual cyst of foregut origin

Summary 

Congenital intralingual cysts of foregut origin are extremely rare. These cysts have the potential to compromise the fetal airway at the time of delivery. We present a case of a 37-week fetus with an intralingual cyst identified by antenatal ultrasound and subsequently further delineated by MRI. Information acquired from the imaging allowed for controlled delivery with necessary precautions to manage an impending airway obstruction. Excision of the cyst occurred at day 8 of life. We have reviewed the literature as it pertains to our case as well as the role of imaging in managing fetal oral cavity cysts.

Keywords: Congenital oral cavity cyst, Intralingual cyst, Congenital foregut cyst