Management of Congenital Third Branchial Arch Anomalies: A Systematic Review

Endoscopic Cauterization with Pneumatic Distension for Piriform Fossa Sinus Tracts

INTRODUCTION

Piriform fossa sinus tracts (PFSTs) are a cause of recurrent neck infections in the pediatric population. Conventional management required open resection, but over the last years minimally invasive approaches have been reported in an attempt to endoscopically obliterate the PFST, using different methods such as electrocautery, laser, trichloroacetic acid, or silver nitrate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We undertook a retrospective review of the medical records of 12 children (aged 4 months to 14 years) with PFSTs treated with endoscopic sclerosis with diathermy (ESD) between 2010 and 2016 at a tertiary care children's hospital. We also present a technical modification of ESD, using continuous infusion of airflow through the gastroscopy, to distend the piriform sinus and facilitate its recognition. PFST obliteration was performed using diathermy through a guide wire.

RESULTS

Clinical presentation of the 12 affected children included neck tumor (7 [58%]), neck abscesses (4 [33%]), and thyroiditis (5 [41%]). All lesions occurred on the left side. All patients underwent both ultrasonography and barium esophagography (the latter being positive only in 50%). Two patients were treated with ESD after the open approach had failed. There was no procedure-related morbidity. One patient had a recurrence (positive barium swallow without symptoms). The success rate of this procedure in our series was 91% with one attempt and 100% with two attempts.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, treatment of PFST with ESD is a reproducible, noninvasive, and an effective option. ESD could be considered a primary approach and also for revision after open surgery has failed in these patients.

Bilateral Piriform sinus fistulas: a case study and review of management options

BACKGROUND

Piriform sinus fistulas occur due to developmental abnormalities of the third and fourth branchial arches, and almost always occur unilaterally. They generally present as recurrent abscesses in the anterior-inferior neck, with concurrent thyroiditis. They have conventionally been managed with complete removal of the sinus tract, and thyroidectomy if required; however, endoscopic approaches have been increasingly favored. Herein we describe a case of bilateral piriform sinus fistulas, and present a review of the literature concerning their endoscopic management.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our patient was determined to have bilateral piriform sinus fistulas based on computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and microlaryngoscopy. We performed electrocauterization of the proximal fistula tracts, followed by injection of fibrin sealent. Our patient has not had a recurrence in the ten months since his procedure. There were no complications. Twenty-three articles describing an endoscopic approach to these fistulas were identified through PubMed, and a search through the references of related articles was completed.

CONCLUSION

Of one hundred and ninety-five patient cases we reviewed, an endoscopic procedure success rate of 82% and complication rate of 5.6% was determined. Piriform sinus fistulas that occur bilaterally are a rare congenital abnormality of the neck. Endoscopic approaches are an acceptable alternative option to open procedures, with similar success and a lower rate of complications.

Branchial anomalies in children: A report of 105 surgical cases

BACKGROUND

Branchial anomalies (BAs) account for 20% of all congenital masses in children. We sought to review the incidence of involvement of individual anomalies, diagnostic methods, surgical treatment, and complications of BAs in children. In addition, we also classified our study and analyzed a congenital lower neck cutaneous fistula near the sternoclavicular joint that was thought to be the skin-side remnant of the fourth BAs.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 105 children who were referred to our hospital from June 2009 to December 2016 for the treatment of BAs.

RESULTS

In this series, there were 51 males and 54 females. The age at the time of operation varied from 19 days to 13 years, and the mean age was 4.5 years. A total of 33 (31.4%) cases presented with first BAs, 13 (12.4%) presented with second BAs, and 59 (56.2%) presented with third and fourth BAs, including 6 cases of congenital lower neck cutaneous fistula. Fistulectomy under general anesthesia was performed on all of them. For postoperative complications, 2 cases had temporary facial paralysis, 1 case had permanent facial paralysis, 4 cases had temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Recurrence occurred in 2 patients with first BAs after medium follow-up time of 3.6 years (6 months-8 years).

CONCLUSIONS

BAs are common congenital head and neck lesions in children, and there are four distinct types (first, second, third and fourth anomalies). The incidence of third and fourth BAs in Asia maybe higher when compared with literature reports, second BAs seem rare in this population, but more research is needed to confirm this perspective. Diagnosis is not difficult with a proper knowledge of the anatomy of the BAs. The surgical procedures should be tailored depending on the various types, and complete excision of the fistula is the key to prevent recurrence.

Branchial arch anomalies: Recurrence, malignant degeneration and operative complications

OBJECTIVE

Branchial arch anomalies (BAA) represent one of the commonest pediatric neck masses, but large case series are lacking with none specifically examining risk of recurrence, surgical complications, and malignancy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of patients with BAA at Mayo Clinic from 1/1/1976-7/29/2011.

METHODS

Features studied include age, gender, location, BAA type, symptoms, recurrence, preoperative management, extent of surgery, pathology as well as presence of tracts. Associations with tracts, operative complications, and recurrence were evaluated.

RESULTS

421 subjects underwent BAA excision during the study period at our institution. Subjects with tracts were symptomatic earlier. Four cases (mean age 60.3 years) of malignancy were identified. Among the 358 (non-remenant) BAA patients with no previous excision, 3.6% recurred at a mean of 47.1 months following surgery. Patients who underwent incision and drainage prior to BAA excision were 3.4 times more likely to recur. 2% experienced complications. Age, BAA type, preoperative imaging and extent of surgery did not affect recurrence or complication rates.

CONCLUSION

Patients with history of preoperative incision and drainage should be followed closely for recurrence the first four years. Early BAA excision is not associated with higher complication rate. Extent of resection should be determined by gross margins of BAA. Malignant degeneration was not seen in children. Malignancies have been seen in older patients (over 45 years) diagnosed with BAA, and a thorough work-up is important for correct diagnosis.

Recurrent pyriform sinus fistula successfully treated by endoscopic Glubran 2 sealing: A rare case and literature review

Objectives:

The authors present the case of a 3-year-old girl with a history of complicated surgery for removing a third branchial cleft fistula.

Methods:

An endoscopic approach using N-butyl-2-acrylate and metacrilosisolfolane glue (GLUBRAN 2) to seal the fistula was performed.

Results:

The clinical and radiological 6-year follow-up confirmed the absence of the fistulous orifice and the persistence of scar due to previous open-neck surgical procedures.

Conclusion:

endoscopic Glubran 2 sealing has been an effective treatment procedure for branchial fistula.

A fatal case of severe neck abscess due to a third branchial cleft fistula: morphologic and immunohistochemical analyses

Background

Branchial cleft anomalies constitute a frequently encountered and commonly non-lethal disease in otolaryngology, and result from aberrant embryonic development. The third branchial cleft fistula is one of the four known specific types of branchial cleft anomalies, and always presents as recurrent neck abscess and suppurative thyroiditis. Here, we report an unexpected death due to severe neck infection following a third branchial cleft fistula.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old man was sent to the hospital with a 1-week history of recurrent left-sided neck abscess, and was scheduled for incision and drainage of the abscess. However, before the surgery was performed, the man’s condition deteriorated and he died. A review of his medical history showed that he had undergone a previous incision and drainage for a neck abscess 2 years ago. Postmortem examination revealed that the fatal neck abscess was induced by a third branchial cleft fistula.

Conclusions

We conclude that a histopathological examination of neck tissue combined with a detailed review of medical history and examination of ultrasonographic and CT images can provide a rapid and accurate diagnosis of third branchial cleft fistula. This common, non-lethal disease can potentially lead to death if the neck infection is not properly diagnosed and treated. In medico-legal practice, medical examiners should be aware of this condition, as this knowledge would be important in the diagnosis of the cause of death.

Branchial cleft and pouch anomalies in childhood: a report of 50 surgical cases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Branchial abnormalities occur when there is disturbance in the maturation of the branchial apparatus during fetal development. Branchial anomalies are congenital lesions usually present in childhood, even if they can be diagnosed later for enlargement or infection. A correct diagnosis will lead to proper management: complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The purpose of this article is to present clinical features, diagnostic methods and surgical treatment of branchial anomalies in childhood, based on a series of 50 patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a total of 50 pediatric patients operated from June 2005 to June 2014 for the presence of branchial cleft anomalies.

RESULTS

27 cases (54 %) presented a second branchial cleft fistula and 11 cases (22 %) a second branchial cleft cyst and one case (2 %) presented both cyst and sinus of the second branchial cleft; four cases (8 %) presented first branchial cleft cyst whereas four cases (8 %) a first branchial cleft sinus and two cases (4 %) a first branchial cleft fistula; one case (2 %) presented a piriform sinus fistula (third branchial cleft). None of our patients presented anomalies of the fourth branchial cleft. All patients underwent surgical treatment and lesions have been removed by excision or fistulectomy. No post-surgical complication occurred. The rate of recurrence was 4 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-operative diagnosis supplies important information to the surgeon for a proper therapy: a complete excision of the lesion without inflammatory signs is essential to avoid re-intervention and to achieve a good outcome.

Rapidly enlarging neck mass in a neonate causing airway compromise

Up to 20% of all congenital pediatric head and neck masses are branchial cleft cysts. Second branchial cleft cysts account for 95% of branchial anomalies, and fourth branchial cleft cysts are the rarest type. Their typical presentations include non-life-threatening symptoms, such as drainage, skin irritations, minor swelling, and tenderness. We describe a 5-week-old neonate with increasing stridor secondary to a rapidly growing neck mass. Imaging and surgical excision confirmed the mass to be an infected fourth branchial cleft cyst.

Distribution of branchial anomalies in a paediatric Asian population

INTRODUCTION

The objective of the present study was to review the distribution and incidence of branchial anomalies in an Asian paediatric population and highlight the challenges involved in the diagnosis of branchial anomalies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of all paediatric patients who underwent surgery for branchial anomalies in a tertiary paediatric hospital from August 2007 to November 2012. The clinical notes were correlated with preoperative radiological investigations, intraoperative findings and histology results. Branchial anomalies were classified based on the results of the review.

RESULTS

A total of 28 children underwent surgery for 30 branchial anomalies during the review period. Two children had bilateral branchial anomalies requiring excision. Of the 30 branchial anomalies, 7 (23.3%) were first branchial anomalies, 5 (16.7%) were second branchial anomalies, 3 (10.0%) were third branchial anomalies, and 4 (13.3%) were fourth branchial anomalies (one of the four patients with fourth branchial anomalies had bilateral branchial anomalies). In addition, seven children had 8 (26.7%) branchial anomalies that were thought to originate from the pyriform sinus; however, we were unable to determine if these anomalies were from the third or fourth branchial arches. There was inadequate information on the remaining 3 (10.0%) branchial anomalies for classification.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of second branchial anomalies appears to be lower in our Asian paediatric population, while that of third and fourth branchial anomalies was higher. Knowledge of embryology and the related anatomy of the branchial apparatus is crucial in the identification of the type of branchial anomaly.

Systematic Review of Endoscopic Obliteration Techniques for Managing Congenital Piriform Fossa Sinus Tracts in Children

BACKGROUND

Piriform fossa sinus tracts (PFSTs) are a recognized cause of recurrent deep neck infections in the pediatric population. Conventional management has historically required open resection, but over recent years minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to obliterate the pharyngeal opening of the sinus have been performed in many centers. However, there is a lack of clear evidence regarding the success rate and safety of these approaches.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the success rate of endoscopic management of PFST through a systematic review of the existing literature.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (1964-2014) and bibliographies of identified papers.

REVIEW METHODS

Two authors independently reviewed 170 abstracts and identified relevant studies for full-text review. Data were independently extracted from those studies, and the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines were used to classify the level of evidence.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 84 patients. All included studies were evidence level 4 (case series). Various methods of obliterating the PFST were described: electrocautery (n = 39), laser (n = 19), trichloroacetic acid (n = 19), silver nitrate (n = 4), combination of silver nitrate and laser (n = 2), and fibrin glue (n = 1). The success rate for endoscopic management of PFST was 89.3% overall (90.5% in primary cases and 85.7% in revision cases). The only adverse event reported was temporary vocal cord immobility in 2.4% (n = 2) of cases.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of pediatric PFST appears to be safe and effective, as a primary option and for revision after open surgery.

Neonatal Presentation of an Air-Filled Neck Mass that Enlarges with Valsalva: A Case Report

Branchial cleft cysts are common causes of congenital neck masses in the pediatric population. However, neonatal presentation of branchial cleft cysts is uncommon, but recognizable secondary to acute respiratory distress from airway compression or complications secondary to infection. We report a 1-day-old infant presenting with an air-filled neck mass that enlarged with Valsalva and was not associated with respiratory distress. The infant was found to have a third branchial cleft cyst with an internal opening into the pyriform sinus. The cyst was conservatively managed with endoscopic surgical decompression and cauterization of the tract and opening. We review the embryology of branchial cleft cysts and current management.

Surgery versus endoscopic cauterization in patients with third or fourth branchial pouch sinuses: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the current literature on treatment of third and fourth branchial pouch sinuses with endoscopic cauterization, including chemocauterization and electrocauterization, in comparison to surgical treatment.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.

REVIEW METHODS

We conducted a systematic search. Studies reporting original study data were included. After assessing the directness of evidence and risk of bias, studies with a low directness of evidence or a high risk of bias were excluded from analysis. Cumulative success rates after initial and recurrent treatments were calculated for both methods. A meta-analysis was conducted comparing the success rate of electrocauterization and surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 2,263 articles were retrieved, of which seven retrospective and one prospective article were eligible for analysis. The cumulative success rate after primary treatment with cauterization ranged from 66.7% to 100%, and ranged from 77.8% to 100% after a second cauterization. The cumulative success rate after the first surgical treatment ranged from 50% to 100% and was 100% after the second surgical attempt. Meta-analysis on electrocauterization showed a nonsignificant risk ratio of 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 0.78-2.33).

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of cauterization in preventing recurrence seems to be comparable to surgical treatment. However, we suggest endoscopic cauterization as the treatment of choice for third and fourth branchial pouch sinuses because of the lower morbidity rate.

Open and Endoscopic Management of Fourth Branchial Pouch Sinus - Our Experience

Introduction Acute suppurative neck infections associated with third or fourth branchial arch fistulas are frequently recurrent. Third and fourth branchial arch anomalies are much less common and usually present with recurrent left thyroid lobe abscesses.

Objectives The authors present their experience in treating such cases that were observed exclusively in children.

Methods The study involved performing a retrospective review of five cases in PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research. All cases were evaluated radiologically and with Direct Rigid hypopharyngoscopy. Definitive surgery was performed, including hemithyroidectomy.

Results The patients consisted of five children, two boys and three girls. All of them presented with recurrent episodes of neck infection. Investigations performed included computed tomography (CT) fistulography, rigid hypopharyngoscopy and ultrasound, which were useful in preoperatively delineating pyriform sinus fistulous tract. All patients underwent neck exploration with excision of the fistulous tract and hemithyroidectomy. Upon follow-up, all patients are asymptomatic.

Conclusions Recurrent neck abscesses in a child should alert the clinician to the possibility of a fourth branchial arch anomaly; therefore, children with this condition require a complete evaluation so the anomaly can be ruled out.

A novel surgical management of hypopharyngeal branchial anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience treating hypopharyngeal branchial anomalies utilizing an open transcervical approach that: (1) includes recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring and identification if needed; (2) resection of tract if present; and (3) a superiorly based sternothyroid muscle flap for closure.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients at a tertiary level children's hospital with branchial anomalies from 2005 to 2014. The clinical presentation, evaluation, treatment and outcome were analyzed for those patients with hypopharyngeal branchial anomalies.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients who underwent excision of branchial anomalies with a known origin were identified. Thirteen patients had hypopharyngeal branchial anomalies. Six of these patients were treated by the authors of this study and are the focus of this analysis. All six underwent an open transcervical procedure with a sternothyroid muscle flap closure of a piriform sinus opening over a nine year period. Definitive surgery included a microlaryngoscopy and an open transcervical approach to close a fistula between the piriform sinus and neck with recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring or dissection. A superiorly based sternothyroid muscle flap was used to close the sinus opening. There were no recurrences, recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries or other complications from these procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports complete surgical extirpation of the fistula tract using an open cervical approach, recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring or identification, and rotational muscle flap closure to treat patients with hypopharyngeal branchial anomalies.

A branchial cyst of the pyriform fossa transoral laser resection: a case report

Pyriform sinus malformations represent rare third and fourth branchial anomalies. Fistulae at the latter site were initially described and make up less than 1 % of all brachial anomalies. They may be discovered incidentally, or may present as a neck mass with recurrent infection, dysphagia, or airway compromise, and can be an unusual cause of dysphonia in infant and children. Here, we present a case of third branchial cyst located in pharyngeal wall of the left pyriform sinus which presented with dysphonia since birth in a 6-year-old girl. Transoral CO2 laser excision was carried out successfully with no communicating tract. The patient's dysphonia showed progressive regression at 1-year follow-up. Third branchial cyst in the left pyriform sinus (Bailey's type IV) is an unusual cause of dysphonia in pediatric. Our present case report is the first brachial cyst to be reported in the pyriform fossa and the second branchial anomalies to be excised transorally with CO2 laser.

Refractory acute suppurative thyroiditis secondary to pyriform sinus fistula

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a rare disease because the thyroid gland is remarkably resistant to infection. We present a 2-year-old girl with refractory acute suppurative thyroiditis due to a pyriform sinus fistula (PSF). She complained of fever and painful anterior neck swelling. Her condition did not completely improved by multiple parenteral antibiotics along with incision and drainage. Barium esophagogram to detect PSF demonstrated no specific finding. Computed tomography scan showed air bubble superior to the left thyroid gland which indicated a possible fistula connected to the pyriform sinus. An intraoperative laryngoscopy revealed a 2-mm-sized fistula opening. The fistula was successfully treated by chemocauterization with trichloroacetic acid.

Management of third branchial pouch anomalies - an evolution of a minimally invasive technique

OBJECTIVES

The management of third branchial pouch anomalies has evolved in recent times with the popularisation of the endoscopic diathermy technique to sclerose the pyriform fossa sinus opening. We present our experience in managing 3 children with third branchial pouch anomalies and propose a minimally invasive management algorithm avoiding open neck surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective case review of 3 patients including demographics, mode of presentation, investigations, management and complications.

RESULTS

Three children, two male and one female of mean age 9.6 years presented with painful left anterior neck swelling. Axial neck imaging showed a superficial abscess with air locules and a sinus tract leading towards the left pharynx. Diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic examination of the pyriform fossa revealing a sinus opening. Two patients underwent open excision; one combined with diathermy to the sinus opening. The last patient was diagnosed at his initial presentation and managed with endoscopic diathermy of the sinus opening combined with percutaneous needle aspiration of the neck abscess at the same sitting. One patient had two recurrences, the first after initial open surgery and the second after the first cautery. Two patients developed temporary hoarseness after the procedure, which resolved within two weeks. All patients were free from recurrences at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of the technique of endoscopic diathermy to the pyriform fossa sinus opening in children with third branchial pouch anomalies has revolutionised their management avoiding open and potentially morbid surgery. Our algorithm takes this further by advocating percutaneous needle aspiration of the infective component and performing diathermy to the sinus opening at the first presentation.

Diagnosis and management of pyriform sinus fistula: experience in 48 cases

PURPOSE

Pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) is often overlooked, and presents diagnostic and management challenge. The aim of this study was to highlight the value of intraoperative endoscopy-assisted intubation or methylene blue injection through the internal opening as a guide in searching for the fistula.

METHODS

The charts of 48 patients diagnosed with PSF during January 1990 until January 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The records were analyzed for sex, side of lesion, age at onset/diagnosis, initial presentations, diagnostic methods, microbiologic cultures, pathologic findings, treatments and outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 22 males and 26 females, with a median age at onset and diagnosis of 2 years (range, 8 months to 9 years) and 4 years (range, 12 months to 13 years), respectively. The lesions were predominantly left sided (93.7%). The most common presentation was neck abscess (62.5%). Other presentations were acute suppurative thyroiditis/thyroid abscess (7), neck mass with or without dyspnea (9), and thyroid nodule (2). Barium esophagography showed the sinus tract in 100% cases. The positive predictive value of other modalities was oral-contrast CT 88.9%, intravenous contrast-enhanced CT 53.8%, noncontrast CT 33.3%, and sonography 7.9%. Thyroid function were reported normal in most tested cases (14/15, 93.3%). The fistula tract was lined with pseudostratified squamous epithelium or ciliated columnar epithelium, often associated with inflammatory changes. Bacteria cultured from the discharge were found to be oral flora. Partial thyroidectomy was operated on 11 cases. Two patients (2/8, 25%) who underwent open surgery without endoscopic assistance exhibited recurrence, while no recurrence was noted in children with the help of intraoperative endoscopy. Postoperative results were good in majority (93.7%).

CONCLUSION

PSF should be considered in any children with repeated neck or thyroid infection/mass. The combination of barium esophagography, CT scan and ultrasound is useful to establish the diagnosis. Intraoperative endoscopy-assisted intubation or methylene blue injection through the internal opening as a guide can facilitate identification of the tract during dissection.

[Swelling of the neck following tonsillectomy. Lateral cervical fistula]

A 16-year-old patient presented with recurrent cervical swelling to the right side of the neck on coughing and sneezing. Although present since childhood, the symptoms had progressed over the preceding year. Immediately prior to this period a bilateral tonsillectomy had been performed for recurrent tonsillitis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complete lateral cervical fistula extending between the thyroid and submandibular glands on the right side of the neck. Successful surgical resection accomplished complete removal of the fistula.

The fourth branchial complex anomaly: a rare clinical entity

Fourth branchial pouch anomalies are rare congenital disorders of the neck and are a consequence of abnormal development of the branchial apparatus during embryogenesis. Failure to appropriately recognize these anomalies may result in misdiagnosis, insufficient treatment, and continued recurrence. Here, we present an unique presentation of two cases, describe their diagnosis, clinical course, and management, and review the literature regarding these interesting anomalies.

A right-sided fourth branchial cleft cyst: a case report

Branchial anomalies are a consequence of abnormal development of the branchial apparatus during embryogenesis. Here, a pediatric case with a right-sided fourth branchial cyst that was discovered on fetal ultrasound scanning (US) is presented. The embryological basis for the occurrence of this cyst and definitive surgical management are discussed.

Deep Neck Infections of Congenital Causes

Objectives. To review cases of deep neck infections with underlying congenital etiology with special emphasis on their clinical presentations and the computed tomographic findings and to discuss the various therapeutic modalities employed for such lesions.

Study Design. Case series with chart review.

Settings. Alexandria University Hospital, Egypt.

Subjects and Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical, imaging, and operative records of deep neck infection cases presented to their department in the past 10 years. Deep neck infection cases due to congenital causes were included in the study.

Results. Of the 249 cases of deep neck infections admitted to the authors’ department in the past 10 years, 39 patients were diagnosed with deep neck infections due to congenital causes. Patients were classified into 2 groups. In group 1 (29 patients), computed tomography revealed the presence of infected cystic swelling in the neck that was classified as second branchial cyst (16 patients), third and fourth branchial cysts (8 patients), and thyroglossal cyst (5 patients). Group 2 (10 patients) presented with recurrent attacks of deep neck infection with a history of incision and drainage several times. Radiological and operative findings revealed the presence of congenital pyriform fossa sinus.

Conclusion. Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosing infected congenital cysts and its types. Infected congenital cysts could be excised completely under an umbrella of antibiotics. Recurrence of deep neck infections should alert the physician to the possibility of underlying congenital lesions. Thorough clinical and radiological assessment is mandatory to rule out the possibility of a congenital pyriform fossa sinus.