Pyriform sinus fistula

Pyriform sinus fistulae/sinuses are rare causes of recurrent cervical abscess, especially on the left side. They can also present as acute thyroiditis. Treatment in the form of simple incision and drainage is invariably unsuccessful, and the entity may be confused with the residual tract of a second branchial arch anomaly. We report a case of pyriform sinus fistula, and believe that this is only the second case report in India. We feel that greater awareness can lead to proper and appropriate diagnosis of this anomaly.     

Pyriform sinus fistula

Pyriform sinus fistulae/sinuses are rare causes of recurrent cervical abscess, especially on the left side. They can also present as acute thyroiditis. Treatment in the form of simple incision and drainage is invariably unsuccessful, and the entity may be confused with the residual tract of a second branchial arch anomaly. We report a case of pyriform sinus fistula, and believe that this is only the second case report in India. We feel that greater awareness can lead to proper and appropriate diagnosis of this anomaly.     

Branchial fistula: CT manifestations

A patient with a recurrent left neck abscess was found to have a branchial fistula from the pyriform sinus. This uncommon anomaly was demonstrated by CT and barium swallow. The embryology, pathology and clinical features of this lesion are discussed and contrasted with those of the branchial cyst.     

Recurrent suppurative thyroiditis due to pyriform sinus fistula: a case report

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a rare disease, particularly in childhood. We present a case with recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis due to a pyriform sinus fistula originating from the fourth branchial pouch. The typical symptoms of a piriform sinus fistula are recurrent left-sided pain and swelling of the neck with signs of acute bacterial inflammation. Diagnosis should be made by high resolution ultrasound, barium meal studies and endoscopic examination. During acute exacerbations treatment with antibiotics is indicated, but permanent cure can only be attained by complete fistulectomy.     

Recurrent pseudothyroiditis and cervical abscess. The fourth branchial pouch's role. Apropos of 16 cases

Among the causes of inflammatory swelling of the neck in children, the "cysts" and ducts joining in the hypopharynx deserve being individualized. This unrecognized pathology is indeed responsible for suppurative pseudothyroiditis or cervical abscesses relapsing in spite of adequate antibiotic treatment and incision-drainage. X-ray films may help as they often show the fistula. Diagnosis relies on hypopharyngoscopy. This investigation only may assess the origin of this "internal fistula" by showing the mucous opening of the bottom of the pyriform sinus, from which sometimes springs some pus when pressing the neck. The clear left predominance of this canal and its junction between the superior and inferior laryngeal nerves suggest that its origin could be the 4th branchial pouch. Its treatment consists of complete surgical excision, which avoids relapses.     

儿童梨状窝瘘41例

目的提高对儿童梨状窝瘘的认识，介绍相关诊断与治疗进展。方法报告41例梨状窝瘘病例，男16例，女25例，年龄9个月至12岁3个月；左侧40例，右侧1例；33例行颈部超声显像，20例行CT柃查，29例行甲状腺核素显像，39例行食管吞钡造影。28例手术治疗，其中20例应用胃镜辅助，并对37例进行随访，随访时间18个月至17年6个月。结果超声检查显示：32例病变侧甲状腺实质不均质占位或软组织实质不均质占位，与甲状腺关系密切；CT检查提示：病变侧颈部炎性肿块或合并甲状腺内炎性占位性病变，其中5例直接诊断为梨状窝瘘；核素显像提示：26例甲状腺左叶、特别是上极放射性稀疏，2例呈“冷结节”；食管吞钡检查显示：左侧或右侧梨状窝底部有垂直下行的细小瘘管。10例单纯切除术中8例治愈，2例复发，经胃镜辅助治愈；20例经胃镜辅助切除病例中，2例复发；13例未手术，其中9例获随访，5例自愈或未发作，4例仍反复发作。结论儿童梨状窝瘘炎症消退后食道吞钡检查可明确诊断，CT、B超及同位素检查在梨状窝瘘的诊断中也起着非常重要的作用，手术切除瘘管是主要的治疗方法，关键在于完整切除或消灭瘘管；胃镜辅助检查有助于瘘管的寻找，从而保证瘘管的完整切除，是一种简便、有效的治疗手段。     

Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children

BACKGROUND: Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children is rare and is often related to a pyriform sinus fistula or thyroglossal duct remnant, especially when it is recurrent. METHODS: From January, 1985, through December, 2000, 15 children with acute suppurative thyroiditis were treated. Their clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 8 girls and 7 boys, with a mean age at diagnosis of 6.1+/-2.9 years (range, 1.5 to 9.8). A thyroid mass was present on the left in 13 and on the right in 2 (P < 0.05). Fever, neck pain and swelling were the most common symptoms and signs. Seven patients (46.7%) had recurrent disease. Needle aspiration for Gram stain and bacterial cultures were done, and pathogenic organisms were identified on culture in 8 patients but were found only on Gram stain in 2 patients. In one-half of the patients with positive cultures, mixed pathogens were found. The most common organisms isolated were streptococcal species (50%). Barium esophagography was performed in all patients, and 5 (33.3%) had a pyriform sinus fistula on the left. Only 1 of the recurrent patients had a fistula. Thyroid scans were performed in 13 patients, of whom 12 (92.3%) had decreased radioactive uptake. Thyroid function tests were normal in all 15. CONCLUSIONS: Acute suppurative thyroiditis is usually caused by oropharyngeal flora, resulting in mixed pathogens on culture. Broad spectrum antibiotics should be given once cultures have been obtained. Imaging studies might be helpful in the diagnosis of acute suppurative thyroiditis.     

Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children secondary to pyriform sinus fistula

Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST), a potential complication of pyriform sinus fistula (PSF), is a rare clinical condition as the thyroid gland is remarkably resistant to infections. Lack of awareness of the entity contributes to the rarity and frustrating recurrences. We performed a retrospective review of all cases of AST due to PSF treated at our institution over a 10-year period. The clinical data, investigations, operative findings and procedures, microbial culture reports and follow-up were recorded and analyzed. Between January 1997 and September 2006, 12 cases (8 males and 4 females) of AST due to PSF were treated. Nine patients (75%) underwent successful complete excision, seven of whom had initial incision and drainage procedures. In three patients (25%) with recurrence, one underwent complete excision at a later procedure, one patient had multiple recurrences with six incision and drainage procedures and two failed attempts of excision of PSF before final successful complete excision. The third patient is awaiting re-excision of the PSF tract. All patients, except the one awaiting re-excision, are well with no further recurrences during the follow-up period that ranged from 18 to 96 months (median, 46.5 months). AST due to PSF is a challenging entity in terms of diagnosis and management as recurrences are common despite meticulous dissection. High index of suspicion and radiological investigations such as barium studies and computed tomography scan aid in the delineation and excision of the fistulous tract.     

Suspicion of prenatal pyriform sinus cyst and fistula: a case report

There has been no report describing suspected prenatal pyriform sinus (PS) cyst and fistula. We report a case suspected by prenatal ultrasonography and fetal MRI. A large cystic mass was found in the left neck of the fetus. After the baby was born, preoperative laryngoscopic catheterization of the fistula tract was used to confirm the diagnosis and greatly facilitated the identification and excision of the PS cyst and fistula.     

Differences in the characteristics and management of pyriform sinus fistula between neonates and young children

Purpose  

Pyriform sinus fistula (PSF), which originates from the third or fourth branchial pouch remnant, is relatively rare. In young children and adults, it is characterized by lateral neck infections and suppurative thyroiditis, while neonatal PSF presents as a large cervical cystic mass and causes respiratory distress. We hypothesized that the characteristics and management of PSF may differ between neonates and young children.     

"Massive hemoptysis" and shock after fever and cough北大核心CSCD

11岁男性患儿,因间断发热15 d,咳嗽10 d,“咯血”7 d入院。患儿15 d前以发热咳嗽起病,伴左侧颈部疼痛,抗生素治疗有效。病程中突然出现大“咯血”致休克,后经纤维支气管镜检查发现左侧梨状窝内瘘口并持续渗血,结合颈部及血管影像学检查考虑为先天性梨状窝瘘感染并颈部脓肿致颈内静脉受损血栓形成,通过低温等离子消融梨状窝瘘封闭术治疗后好转,随访1年半未反复。检索文献未发现梨状窝瘘感染引起大出血休克报道,该文总结此例患儿的临床特点及诊治经过,为早期诊断该类疾病及其并发症防治提供参考依据。     

Cervical thymic cysts

Thymic cysts are considered uncommon lesions in the differential diagnosis of pediatric neck masses. They usually present in the 1st decade after the age of 2 years, possibly because the thymus attains its greatest development before puberty. They may be found anywhere along the normal descent route of the thymus gland from the mandible to the sternal notch; 50% extend into the mediastinum. Most patients are asymptomatic, although respiratory complications may occur. A review of the operative records in our hospital over the last 10 years revealed two cases of cervical thymic cysts (CTC) in a 5- and a 9-year-old boy. Both children presented with an atraumatic, painless, enlarging mass in the left side of the neck anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Neither boy had respiratory problems or swallowing difficulties. Ultrasound and computed tomography showed a lesion consistent with a tentative diagnosis of a branchial cyst in one boy and an extensive cystic hygroma in the other. Both lesions were approached through a transverse cervical incision and, although closely adherent to the internal jugular vein, carotid artery, and vagus nerve, were resected completely. There were no postoperative complications and so far there has been no recurrence. CTCs are uncommon benign lesions that should be considered in the evaluation of neck masses in children. Preoperative diagnosis is unusual and, at this time, there is no preoperative radiologic test that can accurately identify a neck mass as a CTC. Histologic investigation of the excised specimen showing thymic tissue remnants with pathognomonic Hassall's corpuscles and cholesterol clefts in the cyst wall is the only definitive diagnosis. Evolution is benign. Intact, complete surgical excision remains the treatment of choice.     

Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft

We present a case of congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC), a sporadic lesion with a predilection for white females. It characteristically occurs in the midline ventral neck and consists of a cephalad skin tag, a mucosal surface, and a caudal sinus. There is an associated submucosal fibrous cord and interwoven bundles of skeletal muscle. This is occasionally tethered to the mandible and/or sternum causing neck contractures. CMCC is usually isolated, but rare cases have been associated with midline clefts of the tongue, lower lip, mandible, and sternum. The embryogenesis is unclear but arguments are given here that CMCC represents ectopic first branchial arch derivatives, including the lower lip and/or tongue.     

Efficacy of OK-432 local injection for the treatment of a neonatal branchial cleft cyst: a case report

We herein present a case of a neonatal cervical cyst, which was diagnosed prenatally, and markedly decreased in size and disappeared after a local injection therapy of OK-432. A 0-day-old boy had an abnormal prenatal ultrasonography scan suggestive of rt. cervical cyst, measuring about 25 mm in diameter at 29 weeks’ gestation. At birth, an elastic soft mass, measuring about 30 mm in diameter, was found on the right side of his neck. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed a giant cyst, which extended from the upper level of epipharynx to the upper mediastinum, and the contents were air and fluid. At 20 days of age, ultrasonography (US)-guided needle aspiration was performed. The aspirated fluid contained no epithelial cells, but many lymphocytes and neutrophils based on a cytological analysis. After the local injection of OK-432 had been performed four times, the right neck cyst had almost completely disappeared on US scans. During the local injection therapy, we analyzed the other sample of the second aspiration fluid of the neck cyst. Several clusters of epithelial cells, columnar epithelium, squamous cells, and ciliated epithelium were thus cytologically observed. Therefore, a final diagnosis of a branchial cleft cyst was made. The local injection of OK-432 was thus found to be an effective treatment for branchial cleft cysts.     

Congenital midline cervical cleft

We present a case of congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC), a sporadic lesion with a predilection for white females. It characteristically occurs in the midline ventral neck and consists of a cephalad skin tag, a mucosal surface, and a caudal sinus. There is an associated submucosal fibrous cord and interwoven bundles of skeletal muscle. This is occasionally tethered to the mandible and/or sternum causing neck contractures. CMCC is usually isolated, but rare cases have been associated with midline clefts of the tongue, lower lip, mandible, and sternum. The embryogenesis is unclear but arguments are given here that CMCC represents ectopic first branchial arch derivatives, including the lower lip and/or tongue.     

Successful endoscopic ablation of a pyriform sinus fistula in a child: case report and literature review

Recurrent thyroid infections are rare in children. When present, patients should be evaluated for anatomic anomalies such as pyriform sinus fistulae. We describe a 12-year-old girl with history of recurrent thyroid abscesses secondary to a pyriform sinus fistula and managed with concurrent endoscopic ablation and incision and drainage.     

Congenital midline cervical cleft: Clinical approach to a congenital anterior neck defect

Numerous malformations can affect the anterior part of the neck presenting at birth as a real diagnostic challenge for the pediatrician or the primary care physician who initially evaluate the baby. Congenital midline cervical cleft represents a rare defect of the midline neck, which is sometimes wrongly diagnosed as a thyroglossal duct anomaly, dermoid cyst, branchial cleft anomaly or “birthmark”. A prompt clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment during early infancy are essential to ensure both functional and aesthetic outcome. We report a case of a female neonate with a midline cervical cleft diagnosed immediately after birth. The main features of other congenital anomalies of the anterior neck are also discussed referring to their embryologic origin.     

Congenital pyriform sinus fistula: A cause of acute left-sided suppurative throiditis and neck abscess in children

Acute bacterial thyroiditis or neck abscesses in children can be caused by infection through pyriform sinus fistulae which usually originate from the tip of the left pyriform sinus. They are thought to be remnants of either the third or fourth pharyngeal pouches. CT, ultrasound and gastrointestinal contrast studies are all useful in clarifying the pathological process and showing the extent.     

Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft: Can It Be Treated in Newborn?

Background

Congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC) is a rare developmental anomaly of the anterior neck, mostly found in Caucasian females. Most authors consider it within the spectrum of branchial arch developmental abnormalities. There have been about 100 reported cases in the literature. However, there is no agreement on the age of surgery in this anomaly.

Case Presentation

In this report we present our experience of managing this anomaly in the early neonatal period in two neonates. One of them had concomitantly congenital heart disease.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize this rare congenital anomaly in neonate. Although the exact time of surgery for CMCC is not mentioned, based on our results the earliest time of intervention is recommended since then the operating result will be excellent.     

Congenital cysts and fistulae of the face and the neck]

The authors review the embryological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of congenital facial and cervical cysts (C) and fistulae (F), based on a personal series of 85 cases (facial: 18, latero-cervical: 29, mediocervical: 38) observed during a 5-year period. The facial forms are the result of an incomplete coalescence of the facial buds and most often present as helical F (17/18). Laterocervical C and F are due to abnormal evolution of branchial clefts; the main clinical forms are related to anomalies of the 2nd branchial cleft (24/29), usually presenting as sinus localized at the anterior border of the lower third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (8) and amygdaloid cysts. Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most frequent of the medio-cervical C and F (35/38); they usually present as a mediocervical cyst in the thyro-hyoid space which may be revealed by an infection or a fistulization. The only appropriate treatment of congenital facial and cervical C and F is surgery providing that the resection is meticulous with complete resection of the fistula in order to avoid relapse. Complete resection also suppresses the risk of secondary malignant degeneration of amygdaloid and thyroglossal duct cysts.