A congenital skin-coloured nodule on neck

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.

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%.