Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft - Abstract
Introduction: Congenital Midline Cervical Cleft (CMCC) is a rare congenital malformation characterized by a classic presentation. A typical case of CMCC s reported, reiterating the importance of imaging for an accurate diagnosis and adequate surgical planning.
Case presentation: Newborn full term, at birth, a thin fusiform area was identified, located at the base of the anterior cervical region, in the midline, with a non-specific aspect, which may correspond to the congenital alteration. Doppler ultrasonography showed hypoechoic image, thin and apparently on blind bottom, measuring 0.8 x 0.2 cm. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging identified a thin, low-signal area, located in the subcutaneous area, without areas of edema or associated fluid collections and no signs of extension to larynx / trachea, confirming the diagnosis of CMCC and excluding the presence of fistula.
Conclusion: The CMCC has its diagnosis classically established through physical examination, although - in some cases - it may be inconclusive. Ultrasound is already used as a diagnostic modality in relation to other cervical abnormalities, besides being fundamental for the surgical planning, since it shows the relation of the injury with the adjacent structures. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful modality to demonstrate the extent of the cleft, to determine other associated anomalies, and to plan surgical treatment for repair. The relevance of imaging tests to define the extent of the congenital defect and exclusion of differential diagnoses, minimizing complications, is reiterated.