Unique Encounter of a Branchial Cleft Cyst Compressing the Great Auricular Nerve in an Adult: A Case Report
Yazan AlHabil1, Khaled Zammar2, Qasem N Dola3, Liza Saadeddin1, Haneen Sharabati4
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine, 2Neurology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, 3Jaffa Specialized Surgical Hospital, Yaffa Street, Ramallah, Palestine, 4Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
Objective:
To document the first instance of a second branchial cleft cyst compressing the great auricular nerve in a 32-year-old female patient.
Background:
Branchial cleft cysts are congenital anomalies arising from the branchial apparatus during embryogenesis, often presenting as benign, painless masses in the lateral neck. While typically benign, they can occasionally involve adjacent neurovascular structures, although such occurrences are rare. This report documents the novel involvement of the great auricular nerve (GAN) associated with a branchial cleft cyst in an adult female patient.
Design/Methods:
A case report.
Results:
A 32-year-old female presented with a left-sided neck swelling that developed over four months. She reported accompanying intermittent left-sided jaw pain radiating to the auricle and a throbbing headache, but denied any systemic symptoms such as fever or weight loss.
On examination, a single, well-defined, non-tender oval mass was noted in the upper neck, measuring 4 × 2 cm. Imaging, including ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans, confirmed a cystic mass compressing the internal jugular vein and adjacent carotid arteries, with notable pressure on the great auricular nerve (GAN), which supplies sensation to the skin over the ear and neck.
The patient was referred to the neurotology and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department. She underwent surgical excision of the branchial cyst. Her post-operative course was uneventful, with complete resolution of her neurological symptoms upon follow-up.
Conclusions:
We hope this case raises awareness among healthcare professionals about atypical causes of neurological symptoms and underscores the value of interdisciplinary collaboration between neurological specalities to enhance diagnosis and optimize treatment outcomes for such rare presentations.
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.