Identification of a branchial cleft anomaly via handheld point-of-care ultrasound
Article Category: Case report
Published Online: Feb 08, 2022
Page range: 67 - 69
Received: Oct 14, 2021
Accepted: Dec 10, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15557/JoU.2022.0012
Keywords
© 2022 A. Brad Hall, Shannon Hasara, Phillip Coker, published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Aim of the study
Branchial anomalies result from incomplete obliteration of the branchial arch structures during embryogenesis. Second branchial arch anomalies are commonly found on the lower third of the neck, with an opening at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and may drain secretions or purulent material. This case demonstrates the use of handheld point-of-care ultrasound to aid in the diagnosis of a branchial anomaly.
Case description
The patient presented with a “hole” in the neck with intermittent drainage from the site. A 2 mm defect in the skin was noted anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A handheld ultrasound system was used to identify a well-defined, hypoechoic, cyst-like structure. Given the history, physical findings, and point-of-care ultrasound imaging, the diagnosis of a second branchial cleft sinus was made.
Conclusions
The use of point-of-care ultrasound and knowledge of the sonographic characteristics of these lesions can assist the physician in the diagnosis of branchial arch anomalies.