J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2010 Oct;34(5):591-594.

Proposal for Early Diagnosis of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: Case-based Approach: Report of two cases

• Chung CW
• Chang YS
• Kim JH
• Kwon JY

Abstract

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is called 'pseudotumor of infancy' because it is commonly discovered and diagnosed within 14~28 days after birth as a sternomastoid tumor. We report two cases of CMT which presented as head tilt without any palpable neck mass immediately after birth but later developed into sternomastoid tumors. Serial ultrasonography confirmed increased echogenicities of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. We think that these findings are prodromal signs of sternomastoid tumors. Close physical examination by a neonatologist is crucial for an early diagnosis of CMT. Neonates with head tilt and increased ecogenicity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle on ultrasonography should be carefully followed up to see whether neck mass develops later. The authors suggest that CMT is not a static entity but rather one that progress to mass alteration after birth.

Keyword

Torticollis; Sternomastoid tumor; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Early Diagnosis
Head
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Muscles
Neck
Parturition
Physical Examination
Prodromal Symptoms
Torticollis
Torticollis