Congenital Dermoid Fistula of the Anterior Chest Region: A Case Report

Abstract

Congenital Dermoid Fistula of the Anterior Chest Region (CDFACR) is a subcutaneous fistula that ends caudally in the subcutaneous tissue close to the sternoclavicular joint, originating from the skin at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid. The fistulous track is lined by keratinised stratified squamous epithelium with hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands. It presents clinically as a cutaneous pit, sinus, or infected mass. It is rare and can be complicated by recurrent infection and abscess formation. Before surgery, imaging the complete extent of the sinus is essential to prevent recurrence. Authors hereby, report a case of a 20-year-old male presenting with discharge from the anterior chest wall. On radiological and histopathological examination, it was diagnosed as a congenital dermoid fistula. In the present report, authors present a case of CDFACR confirmed through comprehensive evaluation, including sonography, Computed Tomography (CT) sinography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and histopathology. The present case also represents the first documented instance of CDFACR from India, highlighting the importance of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis and management of this rare congenital anomaly.

Keywords

• abscess
• congenital anomaly
• sinus tract
• sternocleidomastoid