Deep neck infections of congenital causes

To review cases of deep neck infections with underlying congenital etiology with special emphasis on their clinical presentations and the computed tomographic findings and to discuss the various therapeutic modalities employed for such lesions.

Case series with chart review.

Alexandria University Hospital, Egypt.

The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical, imaging, and operative records of deep neck infection cases presented to their department in the past 10 years. Deep neck infection cases due to congenital causes were included in the study. RESULTS Of the 249 cases of deep neck infections admitted to the authors' department in the past 10 years, 39 patients were diagnosed with deep neck infections due to congenital causes. Patients were classified into 2 groups. In group 1 (29 patients), computed tomography revealed the presence of infected cystic swelling in the neck that was classified as second branchial cyst (16 patients), third and fourth branchial cysts (8 patients), and thyroglossal cyst (5 patients). Group 2 (10 patients) presented with recurrent attacks of deep neck infection with a history of incision and drainage several times. Radiological and operative findings revealed the presence of congenital pyriform fossa sinus.

Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosing infected congenital cysts and its types. Infected congenital cysts could be excised completely under an umbrella of antibiotics. Recurrence of deep neck infections should alert the physician to the possibility of underlying congenital lesions. Thorough clinical and radiological assessment is mandatory to rule out the possibility of a congenital pyriform fossa sinus.