Recurrent Neck Abscess in a Child: Is Fourth Branchial Arch Anomaly More Common than We Think?

Abstract

Branchial arch anomalies are the second most common cause of congenital lesions of the head and neck in children. We discuss a case of recurrent neck abscess in a young child, which eventually led to a third/fourth branchial cleft anomaly diagnosis. We aim to share our experience in the management of this patient along with a review of literature focusing on the presentation, diagnostic workup and treatment of third/fourth branchial arch anomaly.