Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants--report of 17 cases

Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnants: A Rare Congenital Anomaly of the Neck. A Case Series, Literature Review, and Associated Anomalies

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBRs) are rare anomalies found in the neck. These remnants can be easily misdiagnosed due to their low incidence, and they are often associated with other anomalies. Previous studies have reported an association with other anomalies in up to 76% of cases. In this article, the authors present a case series of two patients with bilateral CCBRs and investigate the associated anomalies through a literature review. Patients diagnosed with CCBRs who presented with cervical masses were included. Records were reviewed to investigate factors such as sex, location of the CCBRs, associated anomalies, timing of operations, and cartilage pathology. A surgical excision technique was employed, and the study also included a literature review focusing on reports related to CCBRs and associated anomalies. Two patients, a 3-year-old boy and a 17-year-old adolescent girl, with bilateral CCBRs underwent surgical excision. Patient demographics, prevalence, and characteristics of associated anomalies in CCBR cases were documented in the literature review. This case series presented two successful surgical excisions of CCBRs without complications or recurrence at 1 year of follow-up. The study emphasized the importance of thorough evaluation and assessment for associated anomalies in various body systems due to the potential co-occurrence of CCBRs with other anomalies.

Sonographic Findings of Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnants-A Comparison With Dermal Lesions/Cysts and a Literature Review: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBRs) and dermal lesions, such as epidermoid cysts or brachial anomalies, including lateral cervical cysts/sinuses or dermal sinuses of anterior chest lesions, are usually located at the lower neck at the anterior or posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). We aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis and evaluation of CCBRs.

METHODS

We evaluated 22 lesions of 20 pediatric patients, classified into CCBR and dermal lesion groups. We used Fisher's exact test to evaluate differences between these groups in terms of lesion shape (low-echoic mass- or tubular-like), whether the lesion was adjacent to/in contact with the SCM or not, and the presence or absence of a concave SCM caused by the lesion.

RESULTS

Of the 22 lesions, 8 were CCBRs, and 14 were dermal lesions. We found a significant difference in the presence/absence of adjacency to or contact with the SCM (presence/absence of adjacency to or contact with the SCM in CCBRs vs that in dermal lesions: 6/2 vs 1/13, P = .002) and presence/absence of lesion-induced concavity of the SCM (presence/absence of lesion-induced concavity of the SCM in CCBRs vs that in dermal lesions: 3/5 vs 0/14, P = .036). The lesion shape (low-echoic mass-like/tubular-like lesions) did not significantly differ between the two study groups (low-echoic mass-like/tubular-like lesions in CCBRs vs that in dermal lesions: 5/3 vs 11/6, P = .624).

CONCLUSIONS

CCBRs have a strong association with the SCM. These sonographic findings may be useful in the differential diagnosis of dermal cervical lesions.

Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnant is a rare congenital developmental anomaly typically located on the lateral neck. Histologically, it has the appearance of an accessory tragus demonstrating a central cartilaginous core with surrounding fibrosis located in the subcutaneous tissue. The condition has been associated with a variety of congenital anomalies, particularly involving the auditory, cardiovascular, and visual systems. Given that research-based evidence related to cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnant in dermatology literature is sparse, we present this case to raise more awareness about this entity among dermatopathologists and review the different histopathologic presentations and possible associated anomalies.

A Case Report and Literature Review of Bilateral Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnants

Chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBRs) are rare congenital heterotopic tissue formations originating from the first or second embryonic branchial arches. Clinically, CCBRs are characterized predominantly by unilateral and solitary cartilaginous nodules found on the lower neck region. Herein, we present a case of CCBRs in a 9-year-old male patient who presented with horn-shaped projecting masses on either side of the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The pathological report following surgical resection revealed that the lesion was located in the dermis and consisted primarily of hyaline cartilage tissue enclosed by a fibrous capsule, with few local vascular proliferations. Based on the clinical and pathological features, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with congenital bilateral cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants.

Masses of the Sternoclavicular Area: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Objective:

Masses of the sternoclavicular area are rare, and are not well described in the literature. We aim to present a series of patients with masses in this location and to review all reported English language cases of sternoclavicular masses in pediatric patients.

Methods:

This is a case series of pediatric patients with masses of the sternoclavicular area presenting to a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2010 through 2017. Data was collected by using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes to query the electronic medical record. Chart review included age at presentation, mass characteristics, medical and surgical interventions, and pathology results. A review of the literature was then performed.

Results:

Ten patients with masses overlying the sternoclavicular area were identified. Four patients presented with abscess and were treated with incision and drainage. Three of these patients were then treated with staged excision once infection cleared. Two additional patients were treated with primary excision. Four patients were treated with observation. The most common histopathologic finding was epidermoid. One patient was found to have a dermoid cyst, and 1 had a congenital cartilaginous rest.

Conclusion:

Epidermoids and dermoids are the most common masses overlying the sternoclavicular area. Controversy remains regarding the embryologic origin of sternoclavicular masses. The differential for masses in this area also includes branchial remnants, bronchogenic cysts, ganglion cysts, or septic arthritis.

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants: A report of 29 cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBRs) are rare masses located in the anterior region of the neck. Though the basic characteristics of these rare masses were first described by Atlan in 1997, a critical amount of information about these masses remains unknown. This study aimed to further clarify the characteristics of these rare masses.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with CCBRs in our facility during a 32-year period ranging from 1988 to 2019. We then compared our clinical records with other case reports.

RESULTS

There were 29 patients with CCBRs in our facility, including 19 males and ten females, Three patients were involved bilaterally (among patients involved unilaterally, the right side included 11 patients, and the left side was 15 patients), eight patients also had associated abnormalities. We submitted CCBRs from 18 patients to pathology, and all of them contained elastic cartilages. Among all the surgical data could be confirmed, cartilages did not reach beyond the musculature of the neck. We could confirm a similar tendency with Atlan regarding sex, the location of CCBRs (involvement side, localization in the neck), and the depth of CCBRs. Among the cases contained in this study, there was a disparity in the rate of associated abnormalities and pathology of contained cartilages.

CONCLUSION

Some critical characteristics of CCBRs included, a male predominance, scarcity of bilateral cases and common left side involvement among unilateral involved cases, a common location of CCBRs in the inferior third of the neck and anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and an involvement of cartilage in CCBRs which has no connections to deep underlying structure of the neck. Further investigations are required to determine the origin of CCBRs and the precise incidence of the associated abnormalities. Systemic examination in patients with CCBRs is recommended because many associated abnormalities have been reported.

Bilateral cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants: A case report and a review of the literature

RATIONALE

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants are rare, benign, congenital anomalies, frequently seen bilaterally.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we report the case of a 4-month-old female infant who presented with bilateral lower neck skin tag since birth.

DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent mass excision. The final pathological diagnosis was bilateral cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants with hyaline cartilage.

OUTCOMES

No complications were observed after excision. One-year follow-up revealed no recurrence.

LESSONS

Bilateral chondrocutaneous branchial remnants are rare anomalies. They are often associated with cardiac or genitourinary abnormalities. Therefore, additional preoperative imaging of the abdomen and heart are recommended.

Hair Follicle Nevus Located on the Neck: Comparison with Accessory Tragus, Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnants and Trichofolliculoma

Hair follicle nevus (HFN) is a rare, benign, follicular hamartoma that most frequently presents as a congenital nodule on the face. We experienced a rare case of HFN on the neck of a 14-year-old boy and performed a pilot immunohistochemical study with cytokeratin 19 (CK19) to compare the staining pattern of hair follicles in HFN and its differential diagnoses, accessory tragus, cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBR) and trichofolliculoma. With hematoxylin and eosin stain, HFN showed numerous tiny hair follicles in the dermis with several sebaceous and eccrine glands, and perifollicular fibrous thickening. With CK19 stain, some hair follicles in HFN and CCBR showed positive expression, a few hair follicles in accessory tragus showed weak expression, and no hair follicles in trichofolliculoma showed expression. The present report supports the view that HFN, accessory tragus and CCBR are within the same spectrum of hamartomas.

Choristoma: Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnants

Unilateral cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBRs) are rare, but when present, are typically located over the lateral aspect of the neck along the anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A CCBR in this location is called a choristoma. Here, we describe a choristoma in a 25-year-old female who disclosed a documented diagnosis of Meniere's disease, and an expressed interest in bearing children within the immediate future. She presented with a unilateral swelling, located subcutaneously, midway over the anterior margin of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. Due to her history, and the risk of possible radiological exposure to her fetus, an ultrasound-based examination of the neck and cardio-abdomino-pelvic organs was performed. Our clinical findings, details of the ultrasound results, and surgical data will be described.

Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnants

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants are rare congenital choristomas. These lesions contain a cartilage core surrounded by skin with adnexal structures and subcutaneous fat. Correspondingly, on ultrasound there is a tubular hypoechoic core surrounded by hyperechoic, while on CT there is central intermediate attenuation surrounded by fat attenuation tissues. These features are exemplified in this sine qua non radiology-pathology correlation article. Management includes complete surgical resection and evaluating for potential associated anomalies, such as other branchial apparatus anomalies, as well as cardiac anomalies.

Cervical Chondrocutaneous Branchial Remnants

Objective

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants are rare malformations usually found in the lower neck. As high as 76% of patients have been reported to have associated anomalies. We review the literature and report a case series of seven patients with cervical cartilaginous remnants.

Design

A retrospective case series of seven patients identified from the electronic hospital records.

Results

Seven patients with cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants were identified (six boys and one girl). Only one of the patients had associated anomalies.

Conclusions

A review of the literature revealed no evidence for sinuses or cysts related to cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants. Operative treatment can be postponed to a suitable and safe age. There is marked variation in the reported prevalence of associated anomalies, ranging from 11% to 76%.