Fourth Branchial Pouch Sinus with Recurrent Deep Cervical Abscesses Successfully Treated with Trichloroacetic Acid Cauterization

A previously healthy 13-year-old girl presented with a left-sided deep cervical abscess. A CT scan demonstrated an abscess in the lower neck, anterior to the common carotid artery. Treatment with i.v. antibiotics and incision drainage resolved the condition. A recurrence of the abscess 7 months later was trea ted identi cally. Further in vesti ga tions with MRI showed a 2-3-mm wide, 10-mm long structure in the lateral aspect of the left thyroid lobe. A barium radiograph depicted a narrow, 20-mm long fistula originating from the left pharynx. At endoscopy a 2-3-mm wide opening was found at the left pyri form sinus apex. This, together with the radiological findings, verified the diagnosis of a 4th branchial pouch sinus. The recurrence of the abscess may have been due 10 contamination by infectious pharyngeal secretions. Although radical surgical excision is traditionally recommended for this condition a non-invasive treatment, namely chemocauterization with 40% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), was chosen in this case. Three cauterizations were needed to close the pyriform sinus opening. To date (Month 14) there has been no recurrence of the cervical abscesses. TCA chemocauterization seems to be a safe first-line treatment for patients with a pyriform sinus fistula.     

Pyriform sinus fistula: management with chemocauterization of the internal opening

A branchial remnant originating in the pyriform sinus causes a recurrent fistula or abscess in the neck. In spite of excision, recurrence may result from inadequate removal of the fistula tract. We attempted chemocauterization of the internal opening of the fistula tract with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) on direct endoscopy. This is a 6-year review of 18 patients with pyriform sinus fistula. Medical history, barium esophagography, computed tomography scans, operative findings, and treatment results were analyzed. By direct endoscopy, all patients were found to have a fistula opening in the pyriform sinus, exclusively on the left side. In only 9 patients, the fistula tract was identified by barium esophagography before operation. Computed tomography revealed a suspicious fistula tract originating from the pyriform sinus in 8 of 10 patients. Sixteen patients were initially managed by TCA chemocauterization. There were no serious intraoperative or postoperative complications. Four patients had recurrent masses, which were managed by simple excision in 2 patients and repeated TCA cauterization in the other 2 patients with unobliterated internal openings. We recommend barium swallow study and direct endoscopy for all patients presenting with a recurrent lateral neck abscess, especially on the left side. Our results suggest that initial chemocauterization of the internal opening can be a reasonable alternative procedure for the management of pyriform sinus fistula.     

Temporary vocal fold immobility after chemocauterization of the pyriform sinus fistula opening with trichloroacetic acid

Pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) is a rare branchial pouch anomaly. Circumferential chemocauterization of the opening with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a simple, reliable treatment of choice with little morbidity. However, we experienced two cases of vocal fold immobility after chemocauterization of the PSF opening with TCA. Vocal fold mobility recovered spontaneously within 8 weeks in both cases. Herein, we report these cases in addition to a review of the literature.     

Fourth branchial pouch anomaly

We present an extremely rare case of fourth branchial fistula in a 23-year-old male. The characteristic clinical feature was a recurrent left lower neck abscess which did not respond to appropriate medical and surgical therapy. Radiography and a computed tomographic scan with contrast material revealed a fistula running from the apex of the left pyriform sinus (internal opening) to the left lower neck abscess. The fistula tract was excised surgically. Histological examination of the excised fistula revealed a squamous epithelial lining and subepithelial lymphoid tissue. This pyriform sinus fistula is thought to be of fourth pharyngeal pouch origin, because of its surgical aspects and the histological findings of the excised fistula.     

Thyroid abscess with branchial anomaly

The third arch branchial fistula is a rare congenital abnormality that presents as an inflammatory process in the anterior neck, often in the region of the left lobe of thyroid. Incomplete fistula is not an uncommon finding extending from base of pyriform sinus to the thyroid or perithyroidal space, which predisposes to recurrent suppurative thyroiditis during episodes of upper respiratory infection. Complete fistula of third arch is extremely uncommon, especially of congenital origin. A 10-year-old male child presented with a small opening in the anterior neck since birth, with a swelling around it. Computerized tomography revealed a patent tract from neck skin to base of pyriform sinus. Total excision of the tract up to the left pyriform sinus with hemithyroidectomy was performed. There was no recurrence at 22 months of follow-up.     

等离子射频辅助双侧声带后端切断术治疗双侧声带麻痹导致的上气道梗阻患者13例

目的 评估内镜下等离子射频辅助双侧声带后端切断术治疗双侧声带麻痹导致上气道梗阻患者的疗效。 方法 回顾性分析13例双侧声带麻痹导致的上气道梗阻患者的病例资料,其中男6例、女7例,27~73岁,所有患者均接受等离子射频辅助双侧声带后端切断术。总结评估该手术的临床疗效。 结果 13例随访时间1年1个月~2年11个月,所有患者无严重并发症发生。一次拔管率为84.44%(10/13),二次手术拔管率为88.89%(11/13),拔管时间1~3个月,中位数1个月,上气道梗阻均未复发。 结论 内镜下等离子射频辅助双侧声带切断术操作简单、手术风险小,同时治疗双侧声带麻痹效果可靠,是双侧声带麻痹导致上气道梗阻的有效治疗方法之一,也可作为其他治疗失败的补救治疗措施。     

Chemocauterization of Congenital Fistula from the Accessory Parotid Gland

Congenital sialo-cutaneous fistula arising from the accessory parotid gland is extremely rare. Although the fistula tract can be successfully excised after making a skin incision along the skin tension line around the fistula opening, a facial scar inevitably remains. We here report a case of sialo-cutaneous fistula that was treated with chemocauterization with trichloroacetic acid (TCA). TCA cauterization is an easy and effective option for the treatment of congenital fistula from an accessory parotid gland, especially from the aesthetic point of view.     

Chemocauterization of second branchial cleft fistula using trichloroacetic acid: A preliminary report

Objective

Although second branchial cleft fistula (BCF) can be well treated with surgical excision, neck scarring is unavoidable. We previously reported chemocauterization with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to close various fistulas. Here, we report chemocauterization of a second BCF without a consequent incision scar.

Two cases of piriform sinus fistula which required a long time for diagnosis

Two cases of piriform sinus fistula which had contradistinctive occurrences, were reported. In case 1, a 58-year-old man suffered from the disease without having any symptom for a long time and in case 2, a 39-year-old woman had been troubled with repeated cervical abscess from 3 years old. In both cases, indirect laryngoscopy and laryngofiberscopy showed saliva pooling in the bilateral piriform sinus and barium fluoroscopy with the Valsalva maneuver revealed the fistula originating from the apex of left piriform sinus. In case 2, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an abscess in and around the left lobe of the thyroid. In both cases the fistulectomy was performed and their postoperative conditions have been unevenfful for more than 2 years without recurrence. The etiology, cause, clinical features, diagnosis and therapy of piriform sinus fistula were reviewed.     

新生儿梨状窝瘘3例并文献复习

目的 总结新生儿梨状窝瘘的临床特点及诊治经验.方法 对2018年1月至2020年9月诊治的3例新生儿梨状窝瘘的临床表现、辅助检查、治疗方法及预后进行回顾性分析.结果 3例梨状窝瘘患儿中男孩2例,女孩1例,其中1例男性患儿出生后10 d即被发现颈部肿物而就诊,余两例患儿产前检查被发现;3例梨状窝瘘均在左侧;3例病例颈部B...     

Pediatric recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis of third branchial arch origin—Our experience in 17 cases

ObjectiveTo describe clinical presentations, management and treatment outcomes of 17 cases of congenital pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) of third branchial arch origin presenting as left recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis with cervical abscess.MethodMedical record of these 17 cases (5-males, 12-females) presented during 2009–2013 were reviewed.ResultsAverage age was 9.6 years (range 3–15 years). Fistulous opening in neck was present in 10 cases (58.8%). Average number of episode of infection from first presentation to definitive diagnosis was 3 (range 2–5). All patient had history of incision and drainage (ID) of abscess (average 2, range 1–3). All cases had barium swallow and CT scan. Sixteen cases had telescopic hypopharyngoscopy. Barium swallow and telescopic hypopharyngoscopy detected PSF in 88.23% (15/17) and 100% (16/16) cases respectively. Fourteen cases were treated by transcervical excision (TE) (fistulectomy with left hemithyroidectomy), two cases were treated by endoscopic chemical cauterization (ECC) of internal opening at pyriform sinus using silver nitrate and only ID of abscess was done in one case. Success rate of TE and ECC was 93% and 100% respectively. Recurrence in one case initially treated by TE was managed successfully by ECC.ConclusionPresence of congenital PFS should be suspected when left-sided intra-thyroidal abscess formation occurs as gland is resistant to infection. Strong clinical suspicion, barium swallow study, telescopic pharyngoscopy and CT scan are the key to diagnosis. Both TE and ECC has comparable success rate. ECC may prove a useful and equally effective method of treatment for congenital PFS in future.     

Diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula in children via ultrasonography

A pyriform sinus fistula is a rare congenital abnormality of the third or fourth branchial pouch that usually affects children. We report one case of the condition; ultrasound (US) imaged a heterogeneous mass with a hypoechoic area and air bubbles representing an abscess. Although these manifestations are rare, prominent and characteristic findings on US may facilitate the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula.     

内镜下射频消融治疗儿童急性感染期梨状窝瘘

目的　观察显微支撑喉镜下射频消融治疗儿童急性感染期梨状窝瘘的临床疗效。方法　回顾性分析2017年1月~2019年10月我科收治的21例急性感染期梨状窝瘘患者的临床资料,所有患儿均在全麻下行显微支撑喉镜下射频消融封闭梨状窝瘘内瘘口,同时行颈部脓肿切开引流术。术后留置胃管2 w,抗生素治疗1～2 w,颈部换药3 w内痊 愈。观察分析患儿术后疗效、复发率及并发症等情况。结果  术后随访3～36个月,3例患儿出现一过性声嘶,术后3个月内恢复正常。所有患儿梨状窝瘘内瘘口1次封闭,无复发,无咽瘘、呛咳、喉返神经损伤、大出血等并发症。结论　内镜下射频消融术联合颈部脓肿切开引流术,推荐作为急性感染期梨状窝瘘的首选治疗方案。     

Clinical evaluation of patients with pyriform sinus fistula

Thirteen patients with pyriform sinus fistula treated surgically at our department were clinically evaluated. Twelve (92%) fistulae occurred in the left pyriform sinus, and one (8%) in the right. There were a mean of 4 infectious episodes before the final diagnosis. The median age at the first infection was 5 years, and the median age at surgery was 13 years, although there were 2 elderly patients (over 60 years old) in this series. Association with pharyngeal foreign body was suspected in the case with onset at 81 years of age. There was a history of previous surgery for cervical disease in 54% of the patients. The final diagnosis was based on delineation of the fistula by hypopharyngography, although coronal section of CT and MRI were also useful for understanding the morphopathology. The surgical procedure consisted of identification and staining of the fistula under direct hypopharyngoscopy, followed by identification and extirpation of the fistula until the distal end via a cervical approach. There was no recurrence of infections, although resection of the thyroid gland and identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve were not always performed. The most important surgical principle is considered to be complete disconnection of the lesion from the hypopharynx, and complete identification and extirpation of the fistula by the procedure used at our department is considered to be a useful surgical strategy.     

Recurrent neck infection with branchial arch fistula in children

Objective

Acute suppurative neck infections associated with third or fourth branchial arch fistulas are frequently recurrent. Third and fourth branchial arch anomalies are much less common than those of second arch and usually present with left thyroid lobe inflammation. The authors present their experience with 15 cases of pyriform sinus fistulae (PSF) of third branchial arch origin and 3 cases of fourth arch origin, all of which presented as recurrent neck infection mainly on the left side.

Methods

A retrospective review of 18 cases of third and fourth arch fistulae treated at JIPMER from 2005 to 2010. This study includes 18 patients with PSF diagnosed by the existence of fistulous tract radiologically and intraoperatively with pathological correlation. Neck exploration with excision of tract and left hemithyroidectomy was performed in all cases.

Results

The patients consisted of 7 males and 11 females, and the ages ranged from 3 to 15 years. All of them presented with recurrent episodes of neck infection. Investigations performed include computed tomography (CT) fistulography, barium swallow and ultrasound which were useful in delineating pyriform sinus fistulous tract preoperatively. All cases were on the left side and the fistula was identified by barium swallow in 14 cases (80%), while intraoperative and pathologic confirmation of the tract was possible in all cases (100%). Neck exploration with an emphasis on complete exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and exposure of the pyriform sinus opening to facilitate complete fistulous tract excision with left hemithyroidectomy was successful in all patients. A follow up period of 1-3 years showed no recurrence.

Conclusion

Recurrent neck infection in a child should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying pyriform sinus fistula of branchial origin and CT fistulography should be performed after the resolution of the neck infection to delineate the tract anatomically.     

先天性梨状窝瘘管的诊断与治疗

目的 探讨先天性梨状窝瘘管(congenital pyriform sinus fistula,CPSF)的临床表现和治疗原则。方法 对2007年1月至2011年1月经手术确认连接梨状窝与甲状腺叶瘘管的7例CPSF患者资料进行分析。患者均表现为复发性左侧颈部低位脓肿或急性化脓性甲状腺炎,所有患者均有误诊病史,病程3 ～11年,均曾数次行切开引流或外科探查。急性感染期患者脓肿切开引流,炎性反应消退后进行检查和根治性手术。结果 炎性反应静止期CT检查,均可见左侧甲状腺叶深面及其周围间隙瘢痕组织增生;6例患者行X线钡餐检查,5例可见源于梨状窝的瘘管。4例患者术前行直达喉镜检查,3例可见位于梨状窝尖部附近的瘘口。手术切除瘘管及左侧部分甲状腺叶,保护喉返神经。术后恢复顺利,未出现永久性喉返神经麻痹或甲状腺功能低下等并发症。随访5～40个月,未见复发。结论 对于有反复发作下颈部脓肿病史的患者,尤其位于左侧者,应高度怀疑CPSF的存在,X线钡餐和CT检查是有效的诊断方法,完整切除瘘管及受累甲状腺叶可治愈CPSF。     

Capnocytophaga ochracea and group F beta-hemolytic streptococcus suppurative thyroiditis

The route of infection in acute suppurative thyroiditis is unknown in most cases; when demonstrated, pyriform sinus fistula appears to be the most frequent one. We report the clinical and laboratory findings of a child in whom culture of the thyroid pus yielded two bacteria which are part of the normal oropharyngeal flora: capnocytophaga ochracea and group F Beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The preliminary results of the culture, which showed a mixed flora, prompted us to search and to find a pyriform sinus fistula. Apart from the onset in infancy, the left lobe involvement and the frequent recurrence, the recovery from the thyroid pus of bacteria from normal oropharyngeal flora should be included in the characteristic features of thyroiditis resulting from an infection through the pyriform sinus fistula.     

Management of third branchial pouch anomalies – An evolution of a minimally invasive technique

Objectives

The management of third branchial pouch anomalies has evolved in recent times with the popularisation of the endoscopic diathermy technique to sclerose the pyriform fossa sinus opening. We present our experience in managing 3 children with third branchial pouch anomalies and propose a minimally invasive management algorithm avoiding open neck surgery.

Methods

Retrospective case review of 3 patients including demographics, mode of presentation, investigations, management and complications.

Results

Three children, two male and one female of mean age 9.6 years presented with painful left anterior neck swelling. Axial neck imaging showed a superficial abscess with air locules and a sinus tract leading towards the left pharynx. Diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic examination of the pyriform fossa revealing a sinus opening. Two patients underwent open excision; one combined with diathermy to the sinus opening. The last patient was diagnosed at his initial presentation and managed with endoscopic diathermy of the sinus opening combined with percutaneous needle aspiration of the neck abscess at the same sitting. One patient had two recurrences, the first after initial open surgery and the second after the first cautery. Two patients developed temporary hoarseness after the procedure, which resolved within two weeks. All patients were free from recurrences at follow-up.

Conclusions

Introduction of the technique of endoscopic diathermy to the pyriform fossa sinus opening in children with third branchial pouch anomalies has revolutionised their management avoiding open and potentially morbid surgery. Our algorithm takes this further by advocating percutaneous needle aspiration of the infective component and performing diathermy to the sinus opening at the first presentation.     

A new role for computed tomography in the diagnosis and treatment of pyriform sinus fistula

Neck abscess located in or around the thyroid gland should raise the suspicion of acute suppurative thyroiditis, pyriform sinus fistula, a 3rd or 4th branchial cleft anomaly. Differentiating between these entities on a clinical basis is difficult. After treating the initial infection, computed tomography, barium esophagography, ultrasound, and endoscopy can be used in search of the fistulous tract that can be associated with a pyriform sinus fistula or a 3rd or 4th branchial anomaly. We present a case of a pyriform sinus fistula involving the use of oral contrast, combined with computed tomography, to delineate the tract and its surrounding structures. This method, in combination with endoscopy, aided in the removal of this branchial anomaly.