[Voluminous parotid cyst of the first branchial arch: a case report]

Parotid branchial cysts are rare and poorly known congenital malformations of the first branchial cleft. They are characterized by three types of manifestations which may be associated to it or isolated, including inflammatory swelling of the subauricular and inferior portion of the parotid with or without cervico-cutaneous fistula projecting into the cervico-mandibular area and a fistula in the floor of the external auditory canal with or without otorrhea, with or without pretimpanic bridle on otoscopy. They often go unnoticed, except for superinfections. Diagnosis is based on interview, the occurrence of recurrent abscesses or superinfections. No complementary imaging examination should be systematically performed. In atypical forms, ultrasound as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be necessary, particularly in patients with parotid swellings, in order to confirm cystic structure. Abscesses and recurrent superinfections are the most common complications. Treatment is based on surgical resection. We report the case of a patient with voluminous parotid cyst of the pharyngeal arch.