Rapidly enlarging neck mass in a neonate causing airway compromise

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2016 Apr;29(2):183-4. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2016.11929409.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports