Misdiagnosed pyriform sinus fistula revealed by iterative neck abscesses: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract The pyriform sinus fistula is a rare condition described as an epithelialized tract connecting the skin of the neck to the foregut, and may result in cervical cysts and iterative abscesses misleading the diagnosis. The clinical and radiological examinations are all useful. Surgery stands as one of the most effective therapeutic options consisting on the total excision on the eventual cyst, and the fistula that is followed to its inner opening on the pyriform sinus. We present a case of a 3-years-old boy with a pyriform sinus fistula that caused recurrent neck abscesses treated independently delaying the diagnosis. Once in our structure, after radiological examination and antibiotics to cool the infection down, the surgery removed the cyst with its tract that opened in the pyriform sinus. The follow up showed an effective result with the total disappearance of the lesion with no more infectious episodes. Even if it's a rare condition, the diagnosis of apyriform sinus fistula must be considered in front of every patient with a history of recurrentlatero cervical abscess.