Persistent buccopharyngeal membrane: report of a case and review of the literature.

A persistent buccopharyngeal membrane is a rare entity with 23 reported cases in the literature. Patients often present at birth in airway distress with diagnosis initially unrecognized. The otolaryngologist is frequently consulted in the delivery room to establish a secure airway after attempts at direct laryngoscopy are unsuccessful. Historically, definitive treatment has proved challenging. This article presents a new case and thoroughly reviews the literature for previous cases. Embryology, presentation, and treatment options are outlined.