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Clinical analysis of first branchial cleft anomalies in children
Wei Liu1, Bing Liu1, Min Chen1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Beijing Children's Hospital Capital Medical University National Center for Children's Health Beijing China.
Insights
First branchial cleft anomalies (FBCAs) in children show distinct differences between Type I and Type II, particularly concerning facial nerve proximity. Type II FBCAs often involve the facial nerve, necessitating careful surgical planning to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- First branchial cleft anomaly (FBCA) is a rare congenital condition with diagnostic challenges and potential complications.
- Understanding the specific characteristics of Type I and Type II FBCAs is crucial for effective management.
- The relationship between FBCAs and the facial nerve requires further elucidation to minimize surgical risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze Type I and Type II FBCAs in children.
- To highlight the differences between Type I and Type II FBCAs, focusing on their relationship with the facial nerve.
- To provide insights into avoiding postoperative complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric FBCA patients treated at Beijing Children's Hospital (2013-2017).
- Analysis of clinical data, including FBCA-facial nerve relationship and postoperative complications.
- Comparison of diagnostic accuracy for ultrasound, CT, and MRI.
Main Results:
- 70 FBCA patients included: 41 Type I (58.6%) and 29 Type II (41.1%).
- Type II FBCAs demonstrated a close relationship with the facial nerve, especially in the mandible angle region.
- All patients had abnormal external auditory canals (EACs); Type I FBCAs showed mild EAC stenosis in 11 cases. MRI accuracy surpassed ultrasound and CT.
Conclusions:
- Type II FBCAs present a higher risk due to their close association with the facial nerve.
- Abnormalities of the external auditory canal (EAC) are consistently present in all FBCA cases.
- Complete excision of abnormal EAC skin and cartilage is recommended to prevent recurrence.
Importance:
First branchial cleft anomaly (FBCA) is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose and is associated with a high rate of complications. However, the difference between two types of FBCA and how to avoid complications are not clear enough.
Objective:
We retrospectively analyzed type I and II (Work's classification) FBCAs in children to demonstrate the difference between the two types of FBCAs, especially with respect to understanding the relationship between FBCAs and the facial nerve.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed patients with FBCAs who were treated in Beijing Children's Hospital from 2013 to 2017. The patients' clinical data, relationship of the FBCA with the facial nerve, and postoperative complications were recorded.
Results:
The study included 70 patients with FBCAs. In total, 41 (58.6%) patients had a type I FBCA, and 29 (41.1%) had a type II FBCA. A cystic mass was present in 34 (48.6%) patients. Sixty-two (88.6%) patients had a history of incision and drainage and nine (12.8%) had a history of excision surgery in other hospitals. The accuracy rate of magnetic resonance imaging was higher than ultrasound and much higher than computed tomography. Thirty-eight (92.7%) type I FBCAs had no close relationship with the facial nerve. The facial nerve in 14 (48.3%) patients with type II FBCAs was located superficial to and above the mass. Fifteen (51.7%) type II facial nerves were located on the deep side of the mass. All patients in the study had an abnormal external auditory canal (EAC). Three patients had temporary facial palsy that resolved within one week. Eleven patients with type I FBCAs had mild EAC stenosis. No recurrence was observed.
Interpretation:
Type II FBCAs had a close relationship with the facial nerve, especially when the lesion was located in the mandible angle. All patients with FBCAs had an EAC abnormality. The abnormal skin and cartilage of the EAC should be excised together to avoid recurrence.
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