International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery

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VOLUME 8 , ISSUE 4 ( October-December, 2017 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Collaural Fistula: A Diagnostic Challenge

Sachana Prasad, Amitabha Roychoudhury, Soumitra Ghosh

Keywords : Branchial cleft anomalies, Collaural fistula, CT fistulogram

Citation Information : Prasad S, Roychoudhury A, Ghosh S. Collaural Fistula: A Diagnostic Challenge. Int J Head Neck Surg 2017; 8 (4):153-156.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1326

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-05-2019

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2017; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: To emphasize on a comprehensive approach for correct diagnosis and treatment of first branchial cleft anomalies. Background: First branchial cleft anomalies are congenital malformations accounting for less than 8% of all branchial cleft anomalies. Case Description: We report a case of a 55-year-old female with a discharging collaural fistula that was misdiagnosed earlier and treated with repeated incision and drainage. Diagnosis was confirmed by history and CT fistulogram and the lesion was completely excised with no further recurrences. Conclusion: Due to the varied presentations of the first branchial cleft defects, a compartmentalized approach by the clinician may lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment. Clinical Significance: The rare occurrence and diverse clinical presentations of these embryological defects have led to frequent delay in diagnosis as well as inadequate treatment. Correct diagnosis at primary presentation should be advocated for such rare entities.


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