Response to: “Lateral Pharyngeal Diverticulum,” From John M. Wood et al

Abstract

We thank Dr Wood and his colleagues for their comments regarding our recently published article titled “Lateral Pharyngeal Diverticulum” and for sharing their information on branchial anomalies.Classically, both third and fourth branchial anomalies arise from the pyriform fossa of the hypopharynx. A third branchial fistula pierces the inferior constrictor muscle medially to the greater cornu of the hyoid bone and then courses laterally to the superior laryngeal nerve. It loops over the hypoglossal nerve, runs inferiorly to the glossopharyngeal nerve, and passes poste-riorly to the internal carotid artery. Then, the fistula opens into the skin over the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid mus-cle. A third branchial cyst or sinus may be found at any point along this course.