Imaging of nasopharyngeal cysts and bursae

Abstract

Cysts and bursae of the nasopharynx are uncommon and seldom symptomatic when compared with malignant tumors of this region. However, it is noteworthy that in the presence of symptoms, a good knowledge of their radiological appearance is useful to establish the correct diagnosis. Cysts of Rathke's pouch, pharyngeal bursa of Luschka, Tornwaldt's cysts, retentional cysts of the seromucinous glands, oncocytic cysts, intra-adenoid cysts, branchial cysts, prevertebral or retropharyngeal abscess and pseudocysts of the nasopharynx will be discussed in this paper.

Nasopharyngeal branchial cleft cyst

“…6 On MRI, branchial cysts usually show low signal on T1-weighted images and high signal on T2-weighted images without rim enhancement. 7 However, cysts with high protein contents may demonstrate hyperintensity on T1-weighted images. 8 Branchial cleft cysts are usually lined by stratified squamous epithelium, pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, or epithelium of both types, with a subepithelium containing varying amounts of lymphoid tissue.…”

“…7 The differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal tumors includes Rathke's pouch, pharyngeal bursa of Luschka, Tornwaldt's cyst, intraadenoid cyst, branchial cyst, retention cyst of the seromucinous gland, abscess, dermoid cyst, meningocele, meningoencephalocele, antrochoanal polyp, teratoma, mucocele of sphenoid sinus, juvenile angiofibroma, pleomorphic adenoma, lymphoma, minor salivary gland malignancy, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. As it is one of the most common cancers among Chinese males, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is always included in the differential diagnosis.…”

Hypoplasia of the maxillary, sphenoid and frontal sinus in the patient with nasopharyngeal branchial cyst: Case Repor

“…Intra-adenoid cysts are an additional cause of midline acquired nasopharyngeal cysts.Branchiogenic cysts are the most common cause of lateral nasopharyngeal cysts [8]. They have been reported in only a limited number of literatures.Mucus retention cysts and Oncocytic cysts (Warthin's tumor) are additional rare causes of acquired lateral nasopharyngeal cysts [9]. The association between nasopharyngeal branchialcysts with paranasalsinus hypoplasia is an interesting finding in these patients.…”

Nasopharyngeal Cysts

“…Since adequate physical examination is limited, the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cysts is mainly based on radiological findings. Imaging studies are crucial before any surgery of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx in children, to avoid resection of brain or pituitary gland tissues [69].…”