The rare third branchial cleft cyst

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2009 Oct;30(9):1804-6. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A1627. Epub 2009 May 27.

Abstract

Third branchial cleft cysts (BCCs) are rare entities that represent abnormal persistence of the branchial apparatus. On CT examination, these cysts appear as homogeneous low-attenuation masses with well-circumscribed margins; on MR imaging, they demonstrate variable signal intensity on T1-weighted images and are hyperintense relative to muscle on T2-weighted images. Definitive treatment is surgical excision. We present a case of a third BCC and describe its diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Branchioma / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis