Congenital midline cervical cleft is a deformity known by several names. Although its embryologic origin has not been clearly established, the most widely accepted etiology is impaired midline fusion of the distal branchial arches. The main characteristic of this malformation is a protruding lesion at the midline of the anterior neck, between the chin and the suprasternal notch. Complete surgical resection of the lesion is recommended, with repair of the defect using W-plasty or Z-plasty. This article reports the case of a 38-year-old patient with congenital midline cervical cleft. A simple Z-plasty was carried out after excision of the lesion, and a satisfactory aesthetic and functional result was achieved. Congenital midline cervical cleft is a rare abnormality; however, early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment are necessary to avoid changes in the development of the face and limitation of neck extension.
Branchial region; Neck; Reconstructive surgical procedures
