Ultrasonography in Children With Congenital Pyriform Sinus Fistula: Analysis of 31 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF) is a rare disease that can be easily misdiagnosed. This study investigates the value of ultrasonography in the early diagnosis and treatment of CPSF in children. METHODS: Clinical features and ultrasonography images of 31 CPSF pediatric patients confirmed by operation were retrospectively analyzed, different sonographic features during the infection period and the quiescence period were summarized and the consistency test of ultrasonic recognition and diagnosis between observers was conducted. RESULTS: In this study, 25 CPSF children had thick-walled cystic masses during the infection period, and cystic masses of 8 cases showed gas echo inside; after the modified valsalva maneuver, gas echo was found in another 5 cases. The detection rate of gas can be enhanced through the modified valsalva maneuver and infants' cry so as to provide an important basis for the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula. During the quiescent period of inflammation of 6 cases, fistula can be completely shown, and the wall structure has not been completely destroyed, so that the running position of fistula can be clearly seen. Ultrasonography boasted a good inter-observer consistency in identification and determination (Kappa:0.799-0.857; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography could clearly reveal the position and direction of CPSF fistula. Different ultrasonic characteristics in different periods could provide relevant information for the selection of clinical operation timing and evaluate the post-operative effects.

Preferred diagnostic methods of pyriform sinus fistula in different situations: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) diagnosis is often easily delayed and incorrect. Diagnostic values of modalities vary in different situations. The aim of this study was to recommend optimal schemes for diagnosing PSF at different ages and infection stages. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases was conducted to identify articles written in Chinese and English concerning PSF diagnosis using keywords: "pyriform sinus fistula", "diagnosis", and relevant synonymous terms. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) levels of evidence and critical appraisal checklist tool. RESULTS: 111 studies describing 3692 patients were included. The highest true positive rate (TPR) of ultrasonography was 66.67 % in adult cases. Computed tomography (CT) yielded a good TPR (approximately 73 %) in both neonatal and adult patients, and contrast-enhanced CT (84.21 %) was better in adult patients. Most children cases could be accurately diagnosed by barium swallow (BS) examination which was significantly different in acute and non-infection stages (AIS, NIS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produced a nice TPR in fetal cases (69.23 %) and neonatal cases (54.44 %). Laryngoscopy was also affected by infection stages. TPR of gastroscopy (GS) was the highest in children (86.36 %) and adult cases (87.50 %). CONCLUSION: For fetal cases suspected of PSF, an MRI is recommended. MRI or CT is preferred for neonatal cases regardless of infection stages. Children and adult patients are advised to undergo GS during NIS or AIS, while BS is suggested for NIS. Contrast-enhanced CT can also diagnose adults with PSF in AIS.

MRI in Children With Pyriform Sinus Fistula.

BACKGROUND: A variety of imaging modalities have been described for the diagnosis of congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF). To date, there have been few MRI reports. PURPOSE: To evaluate MRI findings of CPSF and interobserver reliability. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: In all, 115 patients aged 23 days to 15.4 years at operation. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0T/axial T1 -weighted image (T1 WI)-SPIR, axial T2 WI, axial T2 WI-STIR, coronal T2 WI-SPIR, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), axial and coronal gadolinium-enhanced T1 WI-SPIR. ASSESSMENT: For each patient, the medical records, including demographics, clinical manifestations, and MRI findings were reviewed. All the MRI studies were interpreted by three radiologists independently. STATISTICAL TEST: Kendall's W test was made to determine the interobserver reliability of three reviewers for MRI findings. RESULTS: CPSF occurred on the left side in 104 (90.4%) patients and on the right side in 11 (9.6%) patients. The male-to-female ratio was 59:56. The age at first episode varied from birth to 12.3 years. There was one neonate patient, who presented with a unilocular cystic mass in the left neck. A tunnel-like lesion between the pyriform fossa and the upper pole of the thyroid gland, T2 high signal behind the cricothyroid joint, thyroid gland involvement, deep neck abscesses or masses were noted in 46 (40%), 93 (80.9%), 96 (83.5%), and 36 (31.3%) patients, respectively. There was excellent interobserver reliability for all the MRI findings, ranging from 0.84 to 1.00. DATA CONCLUSION: The sinus tract presenting with a tunnel-like lesion goes behind the cricothyroid joint in most cases. For patients presenting with acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) or neck infection with thyroid gland involvement, the presence of T2 high signal behind the cricothyroid joint highly suggests the diagnosis of CPSF. MRI is a reliable method for the diagnosis of CPSF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Comparison of sonographic findings between neonates with pyriform sinus fistulas and lymphangiomas.

PURPOSE: In neonates, pyriform sinus fistulas and lymphangiomas require different early treatment, such as surgical resection or sclerosing therapy, respectively. We aimed to evaluate the use of sonographic findings for differentiating between pyriform sinus fistulas and lymphangiomas in neonates with a lateral cervical cystic mass. METHODS: Sixteen cases diagnosed with pyriform sinus fistulas (n = 7) or lymphangiomas (n = 9) were included. Sonographic findings, including fistulas from the pyriform sinus, air-containing cysts, abnormal thyroid parenchyma echogenicity, internal septae within the cyst and spread to the opposite cervical site, were compared between neonates with pyriform sinus fistulas and those with lymphangiomas. Fisher's exact was used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between cases with and without air-containing cysts (present/absent in neonate with pyriform sinus fistula vs lymphangioma: 5/2 vs. 0/9; p = 0.005), abnormal thyroid parenchyma echogenicity (present/absent: 4/3 vs. 0/9; p = 0.019), and internal septae within the cysts (present/absent: 2/7 vs. 9/9; p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed between cases with or without a fistula from the pyriform sinus (present/absent: 2/5 vs. 9/0; p = 0.175) and spread to the opposite cervical site (present/absent: 4/3 vs. 4/5; p = 0.500). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound can differentiate pyriform sinus fistulas from lymphangiomas in neonates. In our small cohort, if they exhibited the respective sonographic findings; fistula from pyriform sinus, air-containing cysts or abnormal thyroid parenchyma echogenicity, patients were diagnosed as cases of pyriform sinus fistula. These diagnoses are critical for pediatric surgeons or otolaryngologists in surgical planning.

Sonographic diagnosis of an unusual cervical foreign body that migrated through a pyriform sinus fistula.

Foreign body ingestion is common in the pediatric population. We report a case of ingestion of sunflower seeds that migrated in the left neck through a pyriform sinus fistula, ultrasound plays an important role in preoperative diagnosis and is a useful tool for diagnosing both pyriform sinus fistulas and radiolucent foreign bodies.

The treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistula: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF) often presents diagnosis and treatment challenges. This study aimed to explore the treatment principles and to evaluate the effectiveness of the hypothermia plasma cauterization with suspension laryngoscopy for CPSF. METHODS: The medical records of 56 patients with CPSF from January 2000 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 56 cases, the lesions were predominantly located on the left side (95%), and the accuracy of the first diagnosis was 30%. Ultrasound showed an abnormal rate of 86%, while CT or MRI displayed an abnormal anatomic lesion of 92%. The 3D visual reconstruction enabled the analysis of morphological characteristics of CPSF. The positive predictive value of barium esophagography was 89%, whereas the positive rate of the internal opening in CPSF under local anesthesia laryngoscopy was 33%. Nine cases of sinus type underwent open resection, and the recurrence rate was 33%. Interestingly, ten patients with sinus type underwent hypothermia plasma cauterization with suspension laryngoscopy, leading to a success rate of 100% without apparent complications. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermia plasma cauterization with suspension laryngoscopy alongside 3D imaging is both minimally invasive and repeatable with neglectable complications, which has the potential to serve as the first-line treatment for CPSF in the future.

Determining the Efficacy of the Chin-Down Maneuver Following Esophagectomy With Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the reliability of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) compared to videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs). Second, we explored the effect of the chin-down maneuver in the presence or absence of vocal fold paralysis (VFP) using FEES in patients with 3-field lymphadenectomy (3FL) postesophagectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective data collection from FEES and VFSS. SETTING: Dysphagic clinics in the ear, nose, and throat department. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=15) underwent esophagectomy with 3FL at the Department of Gastroenterologic Surgery, during a period of 12 months. INTERVENTIONS: The patients underwent FEES and VFSS with neutral and chin-down maneuvers 2 weeks postoperatively. Two raters of speech pathology blindly scored aspiration, penetration, delayed initiation, and pharyngeal clearance in the pyriform sinus and vallecula, respectively, from recorded movie clips of both examinations, using the penetration aspiration scale (PAS) and modified Hyodo FEES rating scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The intrarater and interrater correlation coefficients of each parameter examined with FEES. Statistical comparison of each parameter between FEES and VFSS and of each parameter evaluated using FEES between 2 maneuvers with or without VFP. RESULTS: The intrarater and interrater correlation coefficients of the PAS and pyriform sinus examined with FEES were both statistically consistent between the 2 raters. The PAS and pyriform sinus evaluated using FEES were significantly correlated with those evaluated in a VFSS (P<.05). The 2 parameters evaluated using FEES were significantly (P<.05) improved with the chin-down maneuver compared to the neutral maneuver, especially in VFP patients. CONCLUSION: FEES performed postesophagectomy with 3FL for evaluation of aspiration is as reliable statistically as VFSSs. The chin-down maneuver is especially useful for reducing the PAS score and pyriform sinus in VFP patients.

Atypical thyroglossal duct cyst with intra-laryngeal and para-glottic extension.

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDC) are the most common congenital neck masses. Although they are anatomically closely related to the larynx, intra-laryngeal extension is very rare. We present a case, review the literature and discuss the challenges of intra-laryngeal TDC. A 55-year-old man presented with a neck mass associated with dysphagia. Computer Tomography neck scan showed a midline cyst extending to the pre-epiglottic space with partial obliteration of the right pyriform sinus and narrowing of the larynx. The cyst was excised en-bloc via Sistrunk procedure. Intra-laryngeal TDC are surgically challenging due to risk of perforation into the aerodigestive tract.

Optimal Timing of the First Barium Swallow Examination for Diagnosis of Pyriform Sinus Fistula.

OBJECTIVE: Observation of a sinus tract during a barium swallow examination is important for the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula; however, to our knowledge, no reports have existed regarding the optimal timing of the examination in relation to the onset of symptoms. The purpose of this study was to compare the timing of the examination, patient age, the number of inflammatory episodes that occurred before the examination, and the barium concentration used for examinations with true-positive results versus those with false-negative results for the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three children with pyriform sinus fistula were included. The timing of the examination, patient age, the number of the inflammatory episodes that occurred before examination, and the barium concentration used were compared between examinations with true-positive results and examinations with false-negative results, by use of the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The examination had true-positive results for 60.9% (14/23) of patients and false-negative results for 39.1% (9/23) of patients. The mean (± SD) interval since the onset of symptoms was significantly shorter for patients with false-negative examination results than for those with true-positive examination results (26.33 ± 21.17 days vs 48.57 ± 17.67 days; p = 0.020). By 6 weeks after the onset of symptoms, more than half of the examinations had false-negative results. No significant difference in patient age (p = 0.238) or number of previous inflammatory episodes (p = 0.431) existed between examinations with true-positive and false-negative results; however, a significant difference was noted in the mean barium concentration used (88.57% ± 31.53% vs 52.86% ± 18.68% weight/volume, respectively; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Barium swallow examinations with false-negative results were significantly more likely when the examination was performed soon after the onset of symptoms. Therefore, early first examinations would not be recommended for the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula, especially in terms of radiation exposure. A higher barium concentration may be useful.

Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Pyriform Sinus Fistulas Involving the Thyroid Gland.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonography (US) has been considered to have a more limited role in the diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistulas than computed tomography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the US characteristics of pyriform sinus fistulas involving the thyroid gland in an attempt to improve our ability to diagnose this condition using US. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2016, 14 patients with pyriform sinus fistulas presenting as suppurative thyroiditis or as thyroid nodules were enrolled in the study. Their US images were reviewed to identify US characteristics indicating the presence of an underlying pyriform sinus fistula and compared with the computed tomographic images. RESULTS: A hypoechoic tubular lesion across the thyroid gland was identified in 9 patients (64.3%). Hyperechoic foci or echogenic lines were found within the lesion in 10 patients (71.4%). A hypoechoic rim was found at the boundary of the lesion in 7 patients (50.0%). A lesion emerging from the posterolateral aspect of the thyroid cartilage was found in 4 patients (28.6%). Thirteen (92.9%) of the 14 patients had 1 of these 4 findings. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography would be a useful diagnostic modality for indicating the presence of an underlying pyriform sinus fistula in patients with suppurative thyroiditis or a thyroid nodule and can be used as a first-line diagnostic tool to screen for pyriform sinus fistulas.

Congenital Pyriform Sinus Fistula: Management of an Extra-Delayed and Atypical Case.

Clinical presentations of pyriform sinus fistulas vary, and this sometimes leads to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Recently, we experienced a case of recurrent cervical abscesses occurring after thyroidectomy in an adult affected by a bifidus pyriform sinus fistula. The diagnostic dilemma was related to the timing of events, with a single episode of acute suppurative thyroiditis having occurred 16 years before the onset of the more recent clinical scenario. An endoscopic approach allowed effective management of this clinical case.

Effectiveness of plain X-ray in detection of fish and chicken bone foreign body in upper aerodigestive tract.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of plain film radiology in the detection of fish and chicken bones in the upper aerodigestive tract. METHODS: This retrospective chart review was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical charts of patients who had undergone oesophagoscopy for removal of fish and chicken bone from 1990 to 2015.SPSS 19 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, foreign body was detected on X-ray in 7(29.2%) and through fibre optic laryngoscopy in 13(54.2%).All the patients underwent surgical intervention for removal of the foreign body. Also, 19(79.2%) patients underwent direct laryngoscopy and 5(16.7%) required oesophagoscopy. The sensitivity with X-ray was 15% and specificity was zero. The sensitivity of fibre optic laryngoscopy in comparison to intra-operative findings was 65% and the specificity was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: X-ray was not found to be an ideal modality to diagnose fish or chicken bone impaction in the upper aerodigestive tract.

Can we make an accurate diagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula by fetal MRI?

AIM: To review the fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) and to compare them with the postnatal clinical and surgical findings. The relevant medical literature is also discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The location, shape, signal, effects of adjacent structures and in utero changes detected on fetal MRI were reviewed in three cases of PSF. The patient's respiratory status at birth, the application of ex utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT), infectious complications in the neonatal period, and the surgical and pathological findings were also reviewed and discussed. The study consisted of three pregnant women between 18 and 38 years of age, each with a single fetus. Fetal MRI was performed at 26 and 38 weeks of gestation in case 1, at 34 weeks of gestation in case 2, and at 34 and 38 weeks of gestation in case 3. Postnatal clinical follow-up extended from 9 months to 3 years. RESULTS: All lesions were well-circumscribed unilobular cysts with slightly thickened walls at the neck area. Case 1 was irregular in shape, and the other two cases were oval and extended longitudinally along the neck. The fluid contents showed signals consistent with amniotic fluid. Close contact with the thyroid gland was demonstrated to be a fairly characteristic feature that could be recognised on fetal MRI. The in utero follow-up detected slight changes in the signal, wall characteristics, contour, and airway deviation. Case 1 was bilaterally affected, causing it to be initially mistaken as macro-cystic lymphangioma. The diagnosis was corrected with the aid of postnatal imaging; however, a prenatal diagnosis was correctly made in cases 2 and 3. Airway obstruction was not observed in any of the three cases, and thus, EXIT was not applied. The fetal MRI findings were in good agreement with the postnatal clinical and surgical findings. In addition to the higher spatial delineation provided by fetal MRI, as described in the literature, the observation of close contact with the thyroid gland and a flattened deformity of the thyroid gland are other characteristic features. CONCLUSION: Fetal MRI is useful for displaying characteristics of PSF that can enable an accurate prenatal diagnosis.

Prenatal diagnosis and early postnatal management of pyriform sinus cyst: experience at a single medical center in mainland China.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether prenatal diagnosis of pyriform sinus cyst can improve the prognosis of this disorder. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in 15 neonates with a pyriform sinus cyst seen at a single center between 2010 and 2014. Among the 15 cases, the diagnosis was made prenatally in eight cases (PreD), while the diagnosis was made postnatally in seven cases (PostD). Neonatal outcome was compared in the two subgroups. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at diagnosis of PreD was 27 ± 6.8 weeks, while the mean age at admission of PostD was 10.1 ± 8.8 days. Cervical mass, fever, respiratory distress, and hoarseness were common symptoms. The mean duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation was 11.5 ± 13.9 and 100.71 ± 80.0 h, respectively, in PreD and PostD (p < 0.01). The average postoperative length of stay and the length of hospital stay were 11.3 ± 3.34 and 19.6 ± 4.41 days in PreD, and 15.14 ± 8.28 and 24.14 ± 8.51 days in PostD, respectively. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis and timely postnatal sequential intervention were associated with less complications and shortened duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.