Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft and Thyroglossal Duct Fibrous Cord-Like, is There a Mixed Presentation?

J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Sep 1;34(6):e546-e549. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009559. Epub 2023 Jul 27.

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital midline cervical cleft is a rare condition and is frequently misdiagnosed as thyroglossal duct cyst. Otherwise, the combination of congenital midline cervical cleft and thyroglossal duct fibrosis in the same patient is as rare as important to be registered with the intention to inform and offer specific managements details for the literature.

Case presentation: Eight-year-old boy with simultaneous congenital midline cervical cleft and a thyroglossal duct fibrosis. The anatomic, clinical, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics of the congenital midline cervical cleft are described as well as surgical technique for removal and repair with Z-plasty.

Conclusion: Congenital midline cervical cleft is a rare condition and when diagnosed must be surgically treated as early as possible. Its differential diagnosis is a clinical challenge.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Stem / abnormalities
  • Child
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neck / surgery
  • Nervous System Malformations
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Skin Abnormalities* / surgery
  • Thyroglossal Cyst* / diagnosis
  • Thyroglossal Cyst* / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Midline brainstem cleft