Vallecular cyst

Abstract

Introduction: A vallecular cyst is a rare and a benign entity which is readily diagnosed in newborns and in early childhood and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The symptoms of a vallecular cyst include but not limited to failure to thrive, voice changes, feeding difficulties, stridor and shortness of breath while in adults the symptoms are commonly mild and the vallecular cyst in the latter tends to be diagnosed as an incidental finding. As early as the prenatal period, vallecular cysts can be diagnosed by using either ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, MRI scan proves superior and is highly recommended to diagnose and to obtain thorough information regarding the relationship of the cyst to the surrounding anatomical structures and that influences the patient's treatment greatly. Case Report: We report a case of a seven-year-old boy referred from the peripheral hospital presented with snoring kind of breathing since six months ago. The patient had a difficulty in breathing when sleeping. The patient was able to take meals without any difficulty. No past medical history reported. On examination the oro-pharyngeal mass was noted. Blood pressure 105/57 mmHg, pulse 105 /minute, temperature 36.5°C, weight 13 kg, height 114 cm. The patient had normal developmental milestones. On laryngoscope, a cystic mass in the vallecular region measuring 2.4×2.7 cm and the mass was attached to the base of the tongue, pharyngeal wall and the lingual surface of the epiglottis. The diagnosis on left side vallecular cyst was made on clinical and radiological findings. The cyst was treated by marsupialization and the specimen was sent to the laboratory which confirmed a diagnosis of a vallecular cyst. There was no recurrence of a cyst on our patient's follow-up. Conclusion: A vallecular cyst shows some typical imaging findings on computed tomography scan and on magnetic resonance imaging scan and a multi-disciplinary approach helps to secure the diagnosis.

Le kyste de la vallécule symptomatique chez l’adulte: à propos de 4 cas

“…Sur le plan radiologique, l'échographie ou la TDM peuvent facilement mettre en évidence la nature kystique de la lésion. Le scanner demeure toutefois l'examen essentiel en objectivant une néoformation sus-glottique régulière, homogène, hypodense, ne prenant pas le contraste [ 2 , 5 , 6 ]. L'imagerie par résonance magnétique peut également être pratiquée et montre une lésion homogène en hyposignal T1 et hypersignal T2.…”

“…L'imagerie par résonance magnétique peut également être pratiquée et montre une lésion homogène en hyposignal T1 et hypersignal T2. Cependant, elle ne semble pas apporter d'éléments supérieurs à ceux du scanner, qui devra rester l'examen de première intention [ 2 , 5 ]. Le traitement repose sur la chirurgie.…”

“…Le kyste de la vallécule est une lésion bénigne rare développée aux dépens de glandes muqueuses de la vallécule. L'incidence exacte du kyste valléculaire est inconnue [ 1 , 2 ]. Chez l'adulte, les kystes valléculaires sont souvent asymptomatiques, pour deux raisons; d'une part à cause de leur petite taille, d'autre part à cause d'une filière pharyngolaryngée assez large [ 3 , 4 ].…”

A Rare Case of Vallecular Cyst Causing Neonatal Stridor

“…However, presenting in neonates may cause respiratory and feeding difficulties which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality [1]. Symptoms might mimic more common and benign lesions in neonate (e.g.…”

“…[6] [7] [8]. These symptoms require great attention by the attending physician as missing such cases can lead to disastrous consequences[1] [5][9]. There are two pathological hypotheses for the development of theses lesions in neonates, either ductal blockage of mucous glands or embryological defect of their…”