Rapid growth of a fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma in an HIV-infected woman: A case report

BACKGROUND: Sacrococcygeal teratoma, the most common congenital neoplasm of the newborn, associated with fetal hydrops and high morbidity and mortality related to the secondary effects of the tumor mass, is of unknown etiology. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment have proven to be effective. CASE: A 24-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2, at 385/7 weeks' gestation, with a pregnancy complicated by HIV diagnosed during pregnancy, seizure disorder and tobacco use, presented with premature rupture of membranes. Ultrasound examination at 17 weeks' gestation showed normal fetal anatomy. Cesarean delivery was complicated by difficulty delivering a live infant with a large sacral mass. Successful surgical excision of a 650-g mass and stabilization of the infant occurred in the neonatal period. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report to describe a rapidly growing sacrococcygeal teratoma in a neonate from a pregnancy complicated by HIV. Ultrasound in the first and second trimesters identified no fetal abnormalities of the spine. Further research concerning sacrococcygeal teratoma and HIV in pregnancy is necessary for prompt and early diagnosis and treatment of antepartum and peripartum complications.