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.