Malformations of the first branchial cleft: duplication of the external auditory canal.

Objective: Malformations of the first branchial cleft are uncommon and only sporadic reported in the literature. The may be present as a swelling or inflammatory opening on the neck, blind cysts or fistula associated with the external auditory canal. In this retrospective study, clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls are described in nine pediatric cases.