Congenital mid-line cervical cleft: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Congenital Mid-line Cervical Cleft (CMCC) is a rare but interesting congenital anomaly of the neck that is frequently misdiagnosed. Much controversy exist regarding its aetiology. Embryologically, the occurrence of CMCC is thought to be due to many hypotheses that include impaired mid-line fusion of the first or second branchial arches, exteriorisation of a thyroglossal duct remnant, and or increased pressure in the cervical area from the pericardial roof in the developing embryo. Histologically, the cleft usually consists of a stratified keratinized squamous epithelium with hyperkeratosis, dermal fibrosis and little or no skin appendages. Associated clinical features could include thyroglossal duct cysts, cleft lip/mandible/sternum, cervical contractures, mandibular spurs, microgenia and or bronchogenic cysts. In this article we present a patient with CMCC. An extensive review of the literature is also included.