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Sonographic Findings of Second Branchial Cleft Cysts； Variable Appearances and Helpful Diagnostic Findings  

Kim, Heung-Cheol (Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University)
Lee, Jun-Ho (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hallym University)
NamKung, Sook (Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University)
Hong, Myung-Sun (Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University)
Hwang, Im-Kyung (Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology / v.24, no.1, 2008 , pp. 53-56 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives：The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variable sonographic features in addition to classic findings and to find the helpful characteristic findings for diagnosis of branchial cleft cysts. Subjects and Methods：We retrospectively analyzed the sonographic finding of 16 histopathologically proven branchial cleft cysts. Assessment involved the following variables : location related to carotid artery, size, cyst wall, border, margin, shape, internal echotexture, post echoic enhancement, orientation of longitudinal axis relative to the long axis of the neck, and tapering edge. Results：Most branchial cleft cysts were seen as well defined(15/16), oval shape(13/16), smooth inner (12/16) and outer margin(13/16), and post echoic enhancement(16/16). Their diameter varied from 1 to 6cm (mean 3.3cm). The branchial cleft cysts showed variable internal echopatterns；hyperechogenicity or pseudosolid appearance(1/16), heterogeneous echogenicity(4/16) in addition to classic form of anechoic(5/16) or hypoechoic internal echogenicity(6/16). Longitudinal axis of most branchial cleft cysts were arranged in the direction of the long axis of the neck(13/16) and some branchial cleft cysts had tapering edge(6/16). Conclusion：If both atypical sonographic findings and location are showed, longitudinal arrangement of long axis and tapering edge of branchial cleft cysts are helpful findings for differential diagnosis.
Keywords
Ultrasonography; Branchial cleft cyst;
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