A Rare Case of Pharyngo Oto Cutaneous Fistula

Dr. Pranali Mahale, Dr. Chetan Ravi

Abstract: First branchial cleft anomalies are rare congenital anomalies of the head and neck that represent less than 1% to 8% of all branchial cleft defects. These anomalies are thought to result from incomplete obliteration of the clefts that arise between the branchial arches during embryogenesis. The persistence of these structures varies widely anatomically and often misdiagnosed. As a result, several classification schemes have been developed according to anatomic position, number of openings, and the type of tissue lining the tracts. We report an unusual case of a first branchial apparatus anomaly, a fistula communicating between the oropharynx and mastoid with external cutaneous opening in post auricular area.

Keywords: Branchial cleft, congenital anomaly, facial nerve, 1st branchial cleft anomaly