Fourth branchial cleft sinus with foreign material within thyroid gland

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 May:132:109948. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.109948. Epub 2020 Feb 13.

Abstract

Fourth branchial cleft anomalies are rare lesions that present diagnostic dilemmas to otolaryngologists. The report presented is a case of a 17-year-old female with food matter and abscess within the thyroid gland that were associated with a 4th branchial cleft sinus. A thyroid ultrasound revealed a 3.0 x 1.5 x 2.5-cm lesion with abnormal echogenicity that was concerning for early abscess. The patient subsequently underwent direct laryngoscopy and right thyroid lobectomy. Her symptoms resolved after surgery. This case demonstrates an unusual presentation in which food passed through the tract to the thyroid gland itself.

Keywords: Fourth branchial cleft sinus; Piriform sinus fistula; Thyroid abscess.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / etiology*
  • Abscess / surgery
  • Adolescent
  • Branchial Region / abnormalities*
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / complications*
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology*
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / complications*
  • Thyroid Diseases / etiology*
  • Thyroid Diseases / surgery
  • Thyroid Gland*
  • Thyroidectomy

Supplementary concepts

  • Branchial Cleft Anomalies