Persistent Foramen of Huschke Mimicking a Branchial Cleft Anomaly

Abstract

Apersistent foramen of Huschke, or foramen tympanicum, results from the defective ossification of the anteroinferior aspect of the tympanic portion of the temporal bone. We describe 2 girls, aged 5 and 6 years, with histories of recurrent cervical abscesses, draining submandibular sinuses, and defective tympanic plates adjacent to the tympanic ring. Surgical resection of the fistulous tract extending from the submandibular triangle to the bony ear canal successfully controlled the symptoms.