Bilateral branchial arch anomaly: a rare case report

ABSTRACT

Anomalies of branchial arches are uncommon anomalies of embryonic development and may present as cysts, sinus tracts, fistulae or cartilaginous remnants. They represent the embryological precursors of face, neck and pharynx and are the second most common congenital lesions of head and neck in children. Although pharyngeal apparatus (branchial) anomalies are frequently seen, bilateral cases are rare (only 2% to 3%). Our patient was a 3 months old child with a swelling on right side of neck and discharging sinus from left side since birth. Surgical excision of the right branchial cyst with its complete tract was done along with excision of the left branchial fistulous tract upto the tonsillar fossa. Post-operative course was uneventful and patient was discharged the next day.