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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Visualization and Analysis of Pharyngeal Arch Arteries using Whole-mount Immunohistochemistry and 3D Reconstruction
Published on: March 31, 2020
A combined third and fourth branchial arch anomaly: clinical and embryological implications
H Mehrzad1, C Georgalas, C Huins
1Department of Otolaryngology, St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, UK.
Abstract:
Embryological abnormalities of the branchial apparatus present an interesting diagnostic and surgical challenge. Thymic cysts are a rare form of branchial apparatus anomaly, resulting from abnormal development of the third pharyngeal pouch. We present two cases of a thymic cyst coexisting with a non recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN), two anomalies that to our knowledge have not been associated previously. A possible embryological explication for this double abnormality is discussed, while the clinical implications of this association are presented.
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