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

Abstract

Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBR) are rare anomalies found in the neck. These remnants can be easily misdiagnosed due to their relatively low incidence, and they are often associated with other anomalies. Previous studies have reported associations with other anomalies in up to 76% of cases. In this article, the authors present a case series of two patients with bilateral CCBR and investigate associated anomalies through a literature review. Patients diagnosed CCBRs who presented with cervical masses were included. Records were reviewed to investigate factors such as sex, location of CCBRs, associated anomalies, timing of operations, and cartilage pathology. A surgical excision technique was employed, and the study also includes a literature review focusing on reports related to CCBRs and associated anomalies. Two patients, a 3-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, with bilateral CCBRs underwent successful surgical excision without complications or recurrence at the 1-year follow-up. 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 CCBR without complications or recurrence at one-year 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.