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

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 2008;24(1):53-56.
Published online May 30, 2008.

Heung Cheol Kim;Jun Ho Lee;Sook NamKung;Myung Sun Hong;Im Kyung Hwang

제2새열 낭종의 초음파 소견；다양한 소견들과 진단에 도움이 될 만한 소견들

김흥철;이준호;남궁숙;홍명선;황임경

Abstract

Objectives ：The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variable sonographic features in addition to clas-sic 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 rel-ative 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 pseu-dosolid 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.

Key Words: Ultrasonography, Branchial cleft cyst