Branchial Cleft Cysts in a Pediatric Asian Population

Objective: Branchial cleft anomalies present fairly commonly in children as lateral neck masses. However, the diagnosis of such anomalies may not always be straightforward. This study seeks to review the distribution of branchial cleft anomalies in an Asian pediatric population, and highlight the challenges involved in diagnosis. Method: A retrospective chart review was performed of all pediatric patients who underwent surgery for branchial cleft anomalies between 2007 to 2011 in a tertiary pediatric hospital. The clinical notes were correlated with preoperative radiological investigations, intraoperative findings, and histology. Classification of the branchial cleft anomalies was attempted from the results. Results: Twenty-six children underwent surgery for 27 branchial cleft anomalies in the 4-year period; 1 child had excision of bilateral fourth branchial cleft sinuses. There were 7 patients (25.9%) with first, 5 patients (18.5%) with second, 2 patients (7.4%) with third, and 3 patients with 4 (14.8%) fourth branchial cleft anomalies. Six patients (22.2%) had branchial anomalies that were thought to be originating from the pyriform sinus, but we were unable to tell if these were from the third or fourth branchial clefts. The remaining 3 patients (11.1%) did not have adequate information for us to classify the level of anomaly. Conclusion: The incidence of second branchial cleft anomalies appears to be lower in our Asian pediatric population, with a higher incidence of third and fourth branchial cleft anomalies. Knowledge of the embryology and related anatomy of branchial clefts is crucial in helping to identify the type of branchial cleft anomaly present.