Magnetic resonance imaging of branchial cleft abnormalities: illustrated cases and literature review

Objective: We report two cases of branchial cleft abnormalities investigated using magnetic resonance imaging. Background: There appears to be no clear imaging technique that is universally recommended for imaging branchial cleft abnormalities. Options include fistulography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. Method: Case reports and literature review. Case reports: Two cases, although not unusual in themselves, are described to illustrate the use of magnetic resonance imaging to define the anatomy and to assist surgical planning. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is able to accurately depict the extent and course of branchial cleft abnormalities, and in the current cases could have been relied upon to determine the necessary surgical procedure. Branchial cleft abnormalities are sufficiently rare for magnetic resonance imaging to be recommended as the first-line imaging modality.