Branchial Anomalies

Branchial anomalies compose approximately 30% of congenital neck mass and present as cyst, sinus or fistula.1 They are equally common in males and females and usually present in childhood or early adulthood.1 Cysts are remnant of the cervical sinus without an external opening. Sinuses are persistence of the cervical sinus with external opening, whereas fistula also involves persistence of the branchial groove with breakdown of the branchial membrane resulting in a pharyngocutaneous fistula.1
Second branchial cleft anomalies are the most common, representing 95% of all branchial cleft malformations.1 However complete branchial fistulas are extremely uncommon with only very few reported cases. Imaging plays an essential role in establishing the