Branchial cleft cysts: a pictorial review

Area of Science:

• Embryology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Cystic neck masses encompass diverse pathologies.
• Branchial anomalies are the most frequent congenital head and neck lesions in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review branchial anomalies, including sinuses, fistulae, and cysts.
• Facilitate diagnosis using radiological findings and embryological context.

Main Methods:

• Review of embryological development of branchial arches and anomalies.
• Correlation of clinical presentation, patient history, and imaging modalities (CT, MRI, ultrasonography, FNA).

Main Results:

• Branchial anomalies present as sinuses, fistulae, or cysts with specific features.
• Diagnosis is aided by clinical suspicion, patient history, and imaging correlation.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of branchial anomalies requires knowledge of embryology and differentials.
• Surgical excision is the primary management; diagnosis hinges on clinical, radiological, and embryological understanding.