Midline Cervical Cleft: An Anatomical Finding and a Proposal for a New Approach

Congenital midline cervical cleft: Management of a case series and literature review

Congenital midline cervical cleft is a rare anomaly classified as a malformation of the branchial arches and represents less than 2% of congenital cervical malformations. Its clinical presentation involves cervical midline deformities: cephalic nodular lesion, linear groove with atrophic surface, and/or caudal sinus. Other midline alterations of variable complexity may also be present. Early treatment allows for avoiding long-term complications. Based on our experience in four clinical cases, a performed literature search on the topic in the last twenty years, and subsequent discussion of the employed surgical approaches, we included 150 reported cases in our review. Correct diagnosis and early treatment with complete removal of the fibrous midline band is paramount to avoid patient complaints until adolescence or adulthood.

Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft and Thyroglossal Duct Fibrous Cord-Like, is There a Mixed Presentation?

INTRODUCTION

Congenital midline cervical cleft is a rare condition and is frequently misdiagnosed as thyroglossal duct cyst. Otherwise, the combination of congenital midline cervical cleft and thyroglossal duct fibrosis in the same patient is as rare as important to be registered with the intention to inform and offer specific managements details for the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

Eight-year-old boy with simultaneous congenital midline cervical cleft and a thyroglossal duct fibrosis. The anatomic, clinical, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics of the congenital midline cervical cleft are described as well as surgical technique for removal and repair with Z-plasty.

CONCLUSION

Congenital midline cervical cleft is a rare condition and when diagnosed must be surgically treated as early as possible. Its differential diagnosis is a clinical challenge.

Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft (CMCC): Z-Plasty Versus Linear Cutaneous Repair

Congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC) is a rare congenital difference. Accurate diagnosis is important to ensure appropriate treatment. CMCC results in both functional and esthetic concerns addressed by surgical management. While the majority of reported CMCC cases have been treated with a z-plasty, the best method of repair has been debated in the literature. The authors present a case of CMCC and review of the literature.