Congenital Midline Nasal Fistula in Children: Clinical Spectrum, Diagnosis, and Surgical Outcomes in a Single-Institution Retrospective Series
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to explore the clinical characteristics of congenital midline nasal fistula (CMNF), providing valuable insights for clinical practice in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of case notes was conducted from January 2020 to October 2024. The clinical data collection included demographics, clinical symptoms, signs, preoperative imaging (ultrasound, CT, and MRI), intraoperative findings, and follow-up data. RESULTS: A total of 9 children (5 boys and 4 girls) were included in this study, with an average age of 4.16±2.30 years (ranging from 9 mo to 7 y). A small fistula opening was observed on the midline of the nose and ultrasound imaging revealed low-echo lesions in the nasal subcutaneous tissue in all cases. Computed Tomography (CT) scans showed that the lesion was confined to the nasal region in 8 cases (88.89%), whereas the lesion extended into the intracranial cavity in 1 case (11.11%). Pathologic examination showed fistula lesions had a lumen lined by stratified squamous epithelium. All patients were cured without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The authors reported a consecutive series of 9 children with CMNF who presented with a small opening on the nasal midline, most often complicated by recurrent infection and occasionally by a mass. The authors' diagnostic approach involved initial screening with ultrasound, followed by CT scans to provide detailed mapping of any bony or intracranial extension. If further clarification of the lesion's interface with brain tissue was necessary, MRI was then used. Complete surgical excision cured all patients, and no recurrences were observed during 1 to 5 years of follow-up.
Source: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
Institution: Kunming Children's Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7123897695