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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

Publication Preview: Published May 27, 2009

American Journal of Neuroradiology 2009;30:1804.

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American Journal of Neuroradiology
DOI 10.3174/ajnr.A1627

PEDIATRICS

The Rare Third Branchial Cleft Cyst

M.J. Joshi, M.J. Provenzano, R.J.H. Smith, Y. Sato and W.R.K. Smoker

From Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (M.J.J.), Chicago, Ill; and Departments of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (M.J.P., R.J.H.S.) and Diagnostic Radiology (Y.S., W.R.K.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Ia.

Please address correspondence to Wendy R.K. Smoker, MD, FACR, Department of Radiology-Neuroradiology Division, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Dr 0453-G JCP, Iowa City, IA 52242-1078; e-mail: wendy-smoker{at}uiowa.edu

SUMMARY: 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.