The value of multislice spiral CT in diagnosis of branchial cleft cyst

ZHAN Xiao-mei; KANG Zi-min; ZHAO Fu-jun; JIANG Bao-dong

Abstract：Objective To analyze the CT findings of branchial cleft cyst and to discuss the diagnostic value of CT to branchial cleft cyst in order to improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis .Methods Clinical and CT data of 12 cases of branchial cleft cyst confirmed by operation and pathology were retrospectively analyzed .All the cases underwent plain and enhanced CT examination .Results Of the 12 patients ,3 cases were the first branchial cleft cyst ,9 cases were the second branchial cleft cyst and no third or fourth branchial cleft cyst cases were found .Branchial cleft cyst of CT showed cystic low density ,thin cystic wall ,the cystic density ,clear boundary and the surrounding tissue compression and dis-placement .Conclusion Multislice spiral CT examination can clearly display the branchial cleft cyst in terms of location , size ,shape and the relationship with the surrounding tissue structure ,so it is easy to make an accurate diagnosis .Multi-planar reconstruction images can display the lesions more comprehensively and intuitively ,which can provide accurate in-formation for clinical therapy ,especially in making preoperative scheme .