Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Small Anim Pract 2021 Jun 7. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Clinica Veterinaria Borghesiana, Via di Vermicino 96, 00133 Rome, Italy.

J Clin Ultrasound 2021 Jun 4. Epub 2021 Jun 4.

Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.

Branchial cleft cysts (BCCs) are common causes of cervical tumors in children and adulthood; however, prenatal diagnosis of BCC is rare. In neonates, these cysts can suddenly increase in size, causing airway obstruction and becoming a life-threatening condition. In this case report, we describe the prenatal diagnosis of a third BCC at the 25th week of pregnancy using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and three-dimensional virtual models, as well as the perinatal outcomes of this rare condition. Read More

J Int Med Res 2021 May;49(5):3000605211012549

Department of Otolaryngology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Third branchial cleft cyst is a rare congenital disease of the neck. It presents as a painless mass that develops rapidly in the neck following an infection. This is the first case report of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy caused by a third branchial cleft cyst. Read More

Ear Nose Throat J 2021 May 16:1455613211015737. Epub 2021 May 16.

2nd Academic ORL, Head and Neck Surgery Department, 37794Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

First branchial cleft anomalies (FBCAs) are the most infrequent malformations that occur during the development of the branchial apparatus, appearing in less than 8% of all branchial anomalies. Traditionally, they are classified into Work type I and II, depending on their origin. We present a pair of rare FBCAs: a case of a preauricular Work type I cyst with twin fistulae coursing toward the parotid gland and a Work type II cyst of significant dimensions. Read More

Cureus 2021 Apr 11;13(4):e14413. Epub 2021 Apr 11.

Surgical Oncology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, PAK.

Bronchogenic cysts originate from the tracheobronchial bud, which arises from the embryonic foregut. Congenital bronchogenic cysts in the cervical region, especially in the thyroid or perithyroidal area, are extremely rare. Moreover, distinguishing them from other cervical cystic lesions such as thyroglossal duct and branchial cleft cysts and metastatic cervical lymph nodes is difficult preoperatively. Read More

Clin Ter 2021 May;172(3):175-178

University of Rome "La Sapienza"Maxillofacial departement, St. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Abstract: Branchiogenic carcinoma (BC) is an extremely rare and still controversial clinic entity with few cases reported in literature. This malignant squamous epithelial wall degeneration of a pre-existing second branchial cleft cyst (SBCC) was first described by Von Volk-mann in 1882. Here we present a case of cervical cystic mass that was histologically diagnosed as a primary branchial cleft cyst carcinoma. Read More

Cureus 2021 Mar 17;13(3):e13940. Epub 2021 Mar 17.

Department of Otolaryngology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) South, Dothan, USA.

Branchial cleft cysts are congenital anomalies which develop in utero, most commonly arising from the second branchial cleft. They are often asymptomatic lateral neck masses but can enlarge and become symptomatic in the setting of infection. The cystic cavity can form a potential space which can harbor infection and, in rare cases, malignant spread of primary tumors. Read More

Orv Hetil 2021 04 2;162(15):595-600. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

5 Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Megyei Központi Kórház és Egyetemi Oktatókórház, Fül-Orr-Gége és Fej-Nyak Sebészeti Osztály, Miskolc.

Összefoglaló. A lateralis cysticus nyaki terimék két leggyakoribb oka a branchiogen cysta és a cysticus nyaki áttét. Az átfedő lokalizáció (a leggyakrabban a IIA nyaki régióban), a betegek életkora és az esetenként hirtelen kezdet alapján a két leggyakoribb ok differenciáldiagnózisa nagy kihívást jelenthet. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021 Mar 23:1945998211000448. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.

Objective: The role of sclerotherapy for vascular lesions of the head and neck is well established. However, the efficacy of sclerotherapy for benign cystic lesions of the head and neck is less clear. The objective of this review is to determine the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy for benign cystic lesions of the head and neck. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2020 10;37:334. Epub 2020 Dec 10.

Service d´Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie de Rabat, Université Mohamed V de Rabat, Hôpital Militaire d´Instruction Mohamed V de Rabat, Rabat, Maroc.

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. Read More

Arch Craniofac Surg 2020 Dec 20;21(6):372-375. Epub 2020 Dec 20.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

Congenital midline cervical cleft is a rare congenital disease. The disease is often misdiagnosed as a branchial cleft deformity, thyroglossal duct cyst, or other skin diseases. It has the following characteristics: skin defect at the midline of the anterior neck, a skin tag at the upper end of the lesion, and a blind sinus tract at the caudal aspect with or without mucoid discharge. Read More

J Med Ultrasound 2020 Oct-Dec;28(4):225-229. Epub 2020 Aug 24.

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan.

Background: Ultrasound-guided-fine-needle aspiration drainage (US-FNAD) and US-percutaneous ethanol injection (US-PEI) have been widely used in the management of benign neck cysts. However, the long-term results of US-FNAD and US-PEI are not well elucidated.

Methods: We retrospectively collated patients under neck US examinations from March 2007 to December 2017 and investigated the recurrence after US-FNAD and US-PEI. Read More

Am J Otolaryngol 2021 Jul-Aug;42(4):102976. Epub 2021 Feb 16.

Boston Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, United States of America; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America.

Branchial cleft anomalies (BCA) are among the most common congenital anomalies found in the pediatric head and neck. The embryology of these congenital anomalies is well understood, which allows clinicians to anticipate their diagnosis when a pediatric patient presents with a head or neck mass. The predictable anatomy of the various types of BCA allows for improved surgical planning to prevent recurrence and ensure complete resection. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2021 Jan;100(3):e24375

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Rationale: The diagnosis of type IV branchial cleft cyst (BCC) according to the Bailey classification is very challenging due to lack of specific clinical manifestations in the early stage of the disease. Here, we present the transoral surgical route of endoscopic resection of second BCC in the parapharyngeal space (PPS) with good outcomes.

Patient Concerns: A 21-year-old man with a 1-year history of snoring complained about sore throat for 1 month and a fever that lasted for 3 days. Read More

Head Neck 2021 Apr 3;43(4):E27-E29. Epub 2021 Feb 3.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA.

Background: Second branchial cleft cysts (SBCCs) are congenital benign tumors that comprise up to 90% of all branchial cleft anomalies. SBCCs typically present in the lateral neck along the anterior border of the upper third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. We describe a case of a SBCC presenting in an unusual location in the lower neck close to midline. Read More

Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021 Jan 28;61:185-187. Epub 2020 Dec 28.

ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital August 20, 1953, Ibn Rochd Teaching Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.

Introduction: The cervical lymphoepithelial or branchial cleft cyst are benign dysembryologic cystic tumors developing in the anterolateral region of the neck. They are relatively uncommon anomalies.The aims of this study are to analyze the anatomoclinical features and to discuss the modalities of care for the management of this disease. Read More

Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021 01 23;16(1):46. Epub 2021 Jan 23.

Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.

Background: Sinus near the sternoclavicular joint was considered as a rare congenital neck abnormality. Though it was reported as a dermoid sinus in some literatures, the embryological origin of the sinus was unclear. This study aimed at reviewing the clinical and histological characteristics and analyzing the possible embryological origin of this malformation in children. Read More

J Surg Educ 2021 Jan 19. Epub 2021 Jan 19.

Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.

Purpose: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) monitors fellow case numbers. Previous literature has shown new fellowships detrimentally affecting general surgery residency case numbers. We hypothesize that an increase in pediatric otolaryngology and pediatric urology fellowships would decrease overlapping case numbers in pediatric surgery fellowships. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 Jan 12;14(1). Epub 2021 Jan 12.

Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen gGmbH, Trier, Deutschland, Germany

The anatomy of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) is complex and the differential diagnosis of tumours in this area broad. Although primary tumours of the PPS account for only 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms and are benign lesions in 80% of the cases, the surgical management is crucial and needs specific planning and evaluation of CT and/or MRI scans. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021 Jul 11;278(7):2593-2601. Epub 2021 Jan 11.

Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital Zadar, Bože Peričića 5, 23 000, Zadar, Croatia.

Purpose: Branchial cleft anomalies (BCAs) are developmental malformations of the head and neck region. Their histogenesis has been the subject of controversy and is not fully understood. This study aimed to test all present developmental theories ("branchial apparatus," "precervical sinus," "thymopharyngeal," and "inclusion" theories) on a sample of 48 BCAs from a single institution. Read More

Mymensingh Med J 2021 Jan;30(1):233-237

Dr AHM Zahurul Huq, Professor Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh; E-mail:

First branchial cleft anomalies are embryological defect account for 8-10% of all branchial cleft defects. Approximately 17% of all Paediatric cervical masses are due to branchial anomalies. Despite of the fact that these anomalies are benign, secondary infection, positional effect and complication of treatment like surgery account for morbidity. Read More

Case Rep Otolaryngol 2020 8;2020:8814071. Epub 2020 Dec 8.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.

Second branchial cleft cysts (BCCs) are common congenital causes of neck swellings; however, isolated parapharyngeal space presentation is extremely rare, with only sporadic cases reported. Our objectives in this report are to describe a case and review different diagnostic and management strategies adopted in the current world literature. The case presented is a 26-year-old female with a large isolated parapharyngeal BCC extending to skull base in which first presenting symptoms were referred otalgia and painful side-to-side head rotation for months followed by odynophagia. Read More

Int J Surg Case Rep 2021 Jan 5;78:159-161. Epub 2020 Dec 5.

Faculty of Medicine of Casablanca, Morocco.

Introduction: First branchial cleft anomalies (FBCA) are rare. They have an estimated incidence of 1 in 100,000. Type I are those that embryologically duplicate the membrane (cutaneous) external auditory canal. Read More

Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021 04 9;4(2):e1315. Epub 2020 Dec 9.

Department of Multidisciplinary Medical, Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.

Background: Primary branchiogenic carcinoma (PBC) is an extremely rare and poorly documented disease developed from a brachial cleft cyst.

Case: A 51-year-old patient was referred to our unit for an upper neck mass. PBC was confirmed in accordance with Kahfif's diagnostic criteria. Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2020 Nov 9. Epub 2020 Nov 9.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Congenital neck masses (CNMs) are developmental malformations that present with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. They account for 21% to 45% of neck masses in children and 5% to 14% in adults. This study aimed to present the clinical manifestations and treatment of CNM from single-institution experiences. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021 Jul 6;130(7):738-744. Epub 2020 Nov 6.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.

Objective: Branchial apparatus anomalies of the fourth cleft are the rarest subtype of anomaly and occasionally present with suppurative thyroiditis or thyroid abscess due to their relationship with the thyroid gland. Surgical approaches vary and some surgeons favor cauterization of associated pyriform sinus tracts alone versus complete surgical excision. Currently, the literature is scarce and there is limited data on surgical outcomes and procedural steps. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2020 Sep;34(9):824-827;835

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery，Guangzhou First People's Hospital，the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology，Guangzhou，510180，China.

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the endoscope-assisted transoral approach for the parapharyngeal space（PPS） tumors. This retrospective study included 22 patients who were diagnosed with PPS tumors and treated with the endoscope-assisted transoral approach. The postoperative pathological diagnosis included 10 cases of schwannoma, 7 cases of pleomorphic adenoma, 1 case of paraganglioma, 1 case of branchial cleft cyst, and 3 cases of malignant tumors for a diagnostic purpose. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020 Dec 29;139:110402. Epub 2020 Sep 29.

Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, USA. Electronic address:

Objective: The risk of expansile hematoma and airway compromise following neck surgery have been used to validate overnight observation. We investigated the outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing a removal of second branchial cleft anomalies (BCA) via either same day surgery or overnight observation.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing second BCA removal between January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2019 was performed. Read More

Clin Imaging 2021 Feb 18;70:142. Epub 2020 Sep 18.

Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

J Surg Case Rep 2020 Sep 10;2020(9):rjaa291. Epub 2020 Sep 10.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.

We report a case of the first branchial cleft anomaly, clinically typical but occult in images and pathology. An 8-year-old female who had an induration below her right mandibular angle was referred to our department with a diagnosis of an infectious epidermal cyst. CT and MRI had shown no evidence of fistula or cyst. Read More