Retrospective review of 13 cases of pyriform sinus fistula

PurposeTo review 13 cases of pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) and to summarize the clinical and histologic features.Materials and methodsA retrospective review and immunohistochemical analysis of 13 cases of PSF treated in Sapporo Medical University Hospital from 1985 to 2005. This study includes 13 patients with PSF diagnosed by the existence of fistulous tract radiologically and/or pathologically. Fistulectomy was performed in all cases. Surgically obtained specimens were processed for immunohistochemistry with commercial anticalcitonin antibody.ResultsThe patients consisted of 4 males and 9 females, and the ages ranged from 4 to 55 years. The fistula was detected by barium study in 12 cases (92.3 %), and all cases were on the left side. Pathologic detection of the fistula was achieved in only 8 cases (69.2 %). Immunohistochemistry showed abnormal distribution of calcitonin-positive cells in 12 cases (92.3 %). No recurrence has occurred in any of the patients.ConclusionsSurgical removal of the inflammatory tissue is worthy of consideration in suspected PSF cases as in patients who exhibit similar manifestations without preoperative detection of the tract.