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. 2013 Feb;74(1):50-3.
doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1331020. Epub 2012 Dec 13.

Nasopharyngeal branchial cysts-diagnosis and management: a case series

Daniel W Flis  1 , Richard O Wein  1
Affiliations

Nasopharyngeal branchial cysts-diagnosis and management: a case series

Daniel W Flis et al. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal branchial cysts (NBCs) have been discussed in the literature in only a limited number of publications. Differing from Tornwaldt cysts, NBCs present laterally and arise from the fossa of Rosenmuller and may track superiorly within the bony confines of the Eustachian tube. Initially patients are asymptomatic but may present with aural fullness, unilateral conductive hearing loss, and serous otitis media as the cyst mass grows. Two of our three patients had the lesion incidentally identified at the time of assessment for another diagnosis. In this case series, imaging characteristics and response to treatment are reviewed. A literature search was performed to summarize the management options for this entity.

Keywords: Tornwaldt cysts; marsupialization; mucus retention cysts; nasopharyngeal branchial cysts; nasopharyngeal cysts; skull base.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hypointense T1 signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; A). Postoperative computed tomography (CT) after marsupialization of nasopharyngeal cyst (B).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
T2 hyperintense signal in right lateral nasopharynx on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; A). Asymmetry of nasopharynx on computed tomography (CT; B). Increased uptake in right lateral nasopharynx on positron emission tomography (PET; C).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Right nasopharyngeal submucosal mass obstructing the view of the Eustachian tube.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Computed tomography (CT) showing soft tissue mass in right fossa of Rosenmuller (A). Hyperintense on T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; B). Postoperative CT after marsupialization (C).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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