Branchial anomalies in children

Branchial fistula: review of literature and case report

“…19 In many a case, saliva is seen dribbling from the neck opening, which itself proves the completeness of the tract. In the 62 pediatric second branchial cleft anomalies, Bajaj et al 8 reported 50 of them to be unilateral and 12 to be bilateral. Several surgical approaches have been described for the management of a branchial fistula.…”

“…4 Second branchial cleft anomalies most commonly present as cysts followed by sinuses and fistulae. 8 They have previously been classified into four different sub-types by Bailey in 1929: 9 • Type I-Most superficial and lies along the anterior surface of sternocleidomastoid deep to the platysma, but not in contact with the carotid sheath • Type II-Most common type where the branchial cleft cyst lies anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior to the submandibular gland, adjacent and lateral to the carotid sheath • Type III-Extends medially between the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries, lateral to the pharyngeal wall • Type IV-Lies deep to the carotid sheath within the pharyngeal mucosal space and opens into the pharynx • Types I-III are the most frequently occurring second arch anomalies, with type II being the most common.…”

Head and neck fistulas of congenital or infectious etiology: retrospective analysis of 23 cases

“…The relation of the facial nerve to the first cleft anomaly can be assessed by imaging methods. [5] Branchial cysts may present as circumscribed lesions or have tract-like extensions on one side. [6] According to anatomical location, second cleft cysts can be classified into four groups which are type I occurring under the superficial aponeurosis of the neck, type II located just to the front of the large vessels, type III usually between the branches of the carotid bifurcation, and type IV occurring beneath the large vessels and pharyngeal wall.…”

Anomalies of branchial cleft: our experience and review of literature

“…2,11 Most of these present within the submandibular space but can occur anywhere along the course of the second branchial arch tract, i.e., from the skin overlying the supraclavicular fossa, between the internal and external carotid arteries, to pharynx at the level of the tonsillar fossa.…”

“…2 Cysts are most often diagnosed as a painless, compressible lateral neck mass in a child/young adult that may become tender and increase in size if they get infected. 2,11 Histologically, they contain a turbid yellow fluid containing cholesterol crystals and are lined by stratified squamous epithelium. 2 First branchial cleft anomalies can occur anywhere along the course of the first branchial arch tract.…”