ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Lingual Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Causing Death in a Four-Week-Old Infant
Hanzlick, RL
Deputy Medical Examiner, Fulton County, GA

(Received 23 April 1983; accepted 7 June 1983)

Abstract

A 12-mm spherical thyroglossal duct cyst at the base of the tongue caused the death of a four-week-old infant by obstructing the glottis. Previous case reports of this rare entity indicate that the supine position aggravates airway obstruction. Proof of a cause and effect relationship between such a cyst and death is difficult in the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) age group because of nonspecific findings associated with asphyxia and SIDS. Autopsy should include a thorough examination of the oral cavity to detect such lesions.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, cysts, asphyxia, airway obstruction, thyroglossal cysts, lingual masses

Paper ID: JFS11672J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11672J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.