Heterotopic neuroglial mass in the parapharyngeal space causing dysphagia in a 4 years old child: A case report

Neuroglial heterotopia represents a rare differential diagnosis for pediatric neck masses. Its occurrence in the parapharyngeal space is exceptionally uncommon, with fewer than 30 documented cases in the literature. This report details the case of a 4-year-old girl initially noted to have a mass in the right parotid area at birth with no symptoms. After observation, she returned at the age of 4 with dysphagia and a visible mass in the same area. Subsequent CT imaging revealed a mass in the right parapharyngeal space, prompting surgical intervention. Histological examination after resection confirmed the diagnosis of neuroglial heterotopia. Neuroglial heterotopia manifests with various symptoms in pediatric patients, posing diagnostic challenges due to the lack of specific radiological or clinical features distinguishing it from other neck masses in children. This case highlights the significance of considering neuroglial heterotopia in pediatric neck region masses diagnoses. Further research is needed to better understand its clinical features and treatment options. •Parapharyngeal Heterotopic glial tissue is rarely diagnosed in pediatric patients.•Most neuroglial tissue malposition occurs in the nasal cavity.•There is a higher tendency towards diagnosing neurological heterotopia in childhood.•The most commonly approved treatment for symptomatic cases is surgery.•High specificity diagnostic testing before surgery is still lacking.