Two cases with pyriform sinus fistula

The role of a CT examination in combination with a barium swallow

Abstract

Pyriform sinus fistula is one of the known congenital deformities consisting of a third or fourth branchial anomaly. It is often detected in association with symptoms of acute suppurative thyroiditis. After treating the initial inflammation, CT, US and barium hypopharyngography can be used to make a final diagnosis by recognizing the presence of a fistula. We report two cases of pyriform sinus fistula. In one case, a CT taken just after a barium swallow was useful for detecting the fistula and locating it between the pyriform sinus and the upper pole of the thyroid gland.