Fatal cyst: a case report of a previously unreported cause of death.

Branchial cysts are uncommon cause of mechanical asphyxia. Herein, we are reporting the first case of branchial cyst of larynx causing sudden death. A case is presented of a 45-year-old man who was found dead on road side. The death was due to laryngeal obstruction caused by branchial cyst arising from aryepiglottic area. This case report emphasizes the recognition of this condition for proper certification of cause of death and elucidating the manner of death.