Bilateral cervical fistulas from heterotopic salivary gland tissues

A 24-year-old male was referred to our department with intermittent clear drainage in both sides of the middle neck that did not increase while eating. On physical examination, there were fistulas in both sides of the neck, anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Fistulography revealed a 9-mm-long sinus from the left fistula, extending in the medial-caudal direction. On the right side, cannulation was not possible. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed on both sides, and the pathological examination revealed heterotopic salivary gland tissue (HSGT). From a literature review of reports of bilateral neck HSGT, we found that it is often associated with a family history of HSGT and other congenital anomalies. However, our case was different from the previously reported cases in that, although it was a bilateral case, it lacked any family history of HSGT or other congenital anomalies. Clinicians should include HSGT in the differential diagnosis of neck sinuses. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.