Rare Case of Immature Gastric Teratoma

Introduction: Teratomas are rare and complex tumors with components from more than one of the three germ cell layers. Teratomas range from benign, well-differentiated (mature) cystic lesions to those that are solid and malignant (immature). The incidence of all teratomas is estimated at 1:10,000–1:20,000 newborns. Gastric teratomas represent only 1-2% of all teratomas.
Case presentation: We report a case of gastric teratoma of a 2 month-old boy who presented with abdominal distension. Diagnosis was established by physical examination, ultrasonography and computed tomography. The tumor measured 13/10/5.5 cm and weighted 390 grams and was surgically excised. Histological examination revealed an immature gastric teratoma. We also reviewed existing clinical and genetic data on gastric teratomas. Association of gastric teratomas with other congenital anomalies or tumors is very rare. Reported cases include: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (involved:11p15, IGF2), Hodgkin disease (developed 3 yrs. post-resection) and focal neuroblastoma. Recent theories include extraembryonic cells; also have been hypothesized to originate from pluripotent cells present in the gastric wall.
Conclusion: Gastric teratomas are extremely rare tumors. Complete resection induce a good outcome.