EVALUATION OF BRANCHIOGENIC CYSTS BY ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound and palpation findings of 17 patients with branchiogenic cy sts were studied. Results were compared with operative and histopathol ogic findings in 13 patients, and to fistulography, cytologic examinat ion and/or CT in 4 patients. Ultrasound findings (appearance, location and extension) were characteristic in 15 of 17 cases. Palpation prove d to be incorrect or inconclusive in more than half of the patients. I t is concluded that ultrasound examination of the neck may contribute to the correct presurgery diagnosis of branchiogenic cysts.