Branchial anomalies: a review of 52 cases

Fifty-two patients with branchial anomalies (BA) treated at the Children's National Medical Center between 1983 and 1993 were reviewed to determine the incidence of different types of anomalies and to analyze the authors' method of diagnosis and management. First BA was seen in 25%, second in 40%, third in 8%, and fourth in 2%. In 25%, the origin of the anomaly was undetermined. Our incidence of first BA was significantly higher than the incidence reported in other series. Of the anomalies, sinuses were more common than cysts or fistulae. Sinuses tend to present at an earlier age than cysts, which take time to enlarge and present clinically. Repeated incision and drainage and incomplete excisions were frequently seen with first, third, and fourth anomalies due to misdiagnosis. Recent trend has been to utilize radiographic studies more frequently, and they have been found to be helpful in guiding surgical therapy, particularly with the more complicated cases.