Piriform sinus fistula resulting in acute dyspnea in a newborn

Piriform sinus fistulas are rare congenital deformities that may become symptomatic through cyst enlargement and inflammation. The fistula usually manifests as bacterial thyroiditis and is very uncommonly seen as a cause of acute dyspnea in newborns. We report the case of a newborn in whom a piriform sinus fistula led to acute breathing impairment. If the piriform sinus fistula and adherent cyst cannot be totally removed initially, the treatment must be followed later by a complete resection to prevent infection.