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Magnetic resonance imaging of branchial cleft abnormalities: illustrated cases and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2009

C J Black ,
J T O'Hara ,
J Berry  and
A K Robson
C J Black
Affiliation:
Medical School, Newcastle University, UK
J T O'Hara
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK
J Berry
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK
A K Robson*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr A K Robson, Consultant Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, CA2 7HY, UK. E-mail: Andrew.Robson@ncumbria-acute.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

We report two cases of branchial cleft abnormalities investigated using magnetic resonance imaging.

Background:

There appears to be no clear imaging technique that is universally recommended for imaging branchial cleft abnormalities. Options include fistulography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography.

Method:

Case reports and literature review.

Case reports:

Two cases, although not unusual in themselves, are described to illustrate the use of magnetic resonance imaging to define the anatomy and to assist surgical planning.

Conclusion:

Magnetic resonance imaging is able to accurately depict the extent and course of branchial cleft abnormalities, and in the current cases could have been relied upon to determine the necessary surgical procedure. Branchial cleft abnormalities are sufficiently rare for magnetic resonance imaging to be recommended as the first-line imaging modality.

Keywords

Branchial Cleft SinusBranchial Cleft FistulaMagnetic Resonance Imaging

Information

Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 2 , February 2010 , pp. 213 - 215
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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