Multiple branchial arch anomalies. Case report and temporal bone study.

Abstract

Multiple branchial arch anomalies consisting of bilateral microtia, external meatal atresia, complete cleft palate, and mandibular ankylosis may be explained by arrest in fetal development at six to eight weeks. Involvement of the distal branchial arches at this time in fetal development may result in malformations of the laryngeal cartilages. Failure of peripheral facial nerve formation and cochlear anomalies may be associated with these branchial arch anomalies, although they are of different embryologic origin. A detailed case is presented.