Epidermoid and dermoid cysts (ECs and DCs) are congenital anomalies occurring in areas of embryonic fusion. Their incidence in the head and neck region is low and ranges from 1.6% to 7%. The aim of this study is to report on the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 22 patients from a single-institution experience. A retrospective analysis of patients treated for ECs and DCs of the head and neck over a 12-year period was performed. The present study included 22 patients (male/female ratio 1:1). The mean age of presentation was 11.68 years. The lesions were distributed in the orbital regions in 7 (31.82%) patients, auricular regions in 6 (27.27%), neck regions in 5 (22.73%), floor of the mouth in 3 (13.64%), and nose in 1 (4.55%). Complete surgical excision was performed as a definitive treatment method in 21 patients (95.45%). The mean size of the excised lesions was 21.36 mm at the widest length (range: 10–70 mm). On the basis of histopathological examinations, 15 (71.43%) lesions were classified as ECs and 6 (28.57%) as DCs. Post-operative complications were noted in 3 (14.29%) patients––2 (9.52%) with recurrences and 1 (4.76%) with hypertrophic scarring. All of these patients were successfully cured after a second surgery. The ECs and DCs of the head and neck present an interesting diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Successful management depends on a thorough knowledge of their clinical and radiological features.

Human dirofilariasis is a disease historically linked to the Mediterranean area. For the last few decades, however, Dirofilaria nematodes have been spreading, both in terms of prevalence and the geographical expansion in non-endemic areas. Currently, cases of human dirofilariasis are recorded in more than 40 countries worldwide. Croatia is considered an endemic area of the Adriatic basin. In a nationwide investigation, new and previously published cases of human dirofilariasis in Croatia were analyzed. Since 1996, 30 cases of human dirofilariosis were reported in Croatia. A total of 14 (46,67%) cases were from the coastal and 16 (53,33%) from continental regions of the country. Based on anatomical location, 13 (43,33%) cases were subcutaneous, 12 (40%) were ocular and five (16,67%) occurred in the reproductive organs. In all 30 cases, Dirofilaria repens was identified as the causative agent. An increase in air temperature as climate change, changes in mosquito fauna, high prevalence of D. repens in dogs and limited use of chemoprophylaxis are possible risk factors for Dirofilaria infection in the Croatian population. Since reporting to epidemiological services is not mandatory in this country, the real number of human dirofilariasis cases is probably significantly higher than published. This emphasizes the need for mandatory reporting of human cases and surveillance of Dirofilaria infection in dogs and mosquitoes in Croatia, following the “One Health” concept.

Congenital neck masses (CNMs) are developmental malformations that present with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. They account for 21% to 45% of neck masses in children and 5% to 14% in adults. This study aimed to present the clinical manifestations and treatment of CNM from single-institution experiences. A retrospective analysis of patients surgically treated for CNM in a 12-year period was performed. Altogether, 117 patients (female/male ratio, 1:1.05) were diagnosed with CNM. The mean age at presentation was 26.91 years (range, 0.01–84 years). Within the study population, 120 CNMs were identified: 52 (43.33%) thyroglossal duct remnants, 48 (40.00%) branchial cleft anomalies, 7 (5.83%) epidermoid/dermoid cysts, 4 (3.33%) hemangiomas, 3 (2.50%) lymphangiomas, 1 (0.83%) hemangiolymphangioma, 1 (0.83%) hemangioendothelioma, 1 (0.83%) internal laryngocele, 1 (0.83%) external laryngocele, 1 (0.83%) ectopic thyroid gland, and 1 (0.83%) parathyroid cyst. The lateral neck region was the most frequently affected anatomical site, followed by the midline neck location and mediastinum (54%, 45%, and 1%, respectively). Surgical excision was performed in all cases. Recurrence was recorded in 5 (4.17%) patients. The results of this study provide comprehensive information regarding the clinical spectrum of CNM. Successful management of these lesions depends on a thorough understanding of neck embryology and anatomy. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment increase the morbidity and recurrence rate of CNM.