Fourth branchial arch fistula.
A case is presented of a rare congenital anomaly of the fourth branchial arch, which presented as an abscess in the anterior triangle, related to a fistula communicating with the pyriform fossa. Histopathological examination showed the fistula to be associated with thyroid tissue supporting the hypothesis that the ventral wing of the fourth pouch contributes to the thyroid gland.
Johnson
I J
IJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Soames
J V
JV
Birchall
J P
JP
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology*; D001934:Branchial Region / Q000002:abnormalities*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D005402:Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000196:embryology