Bronchogenic Cyst

Primary Tumors of the Middle and Posterior Mediastinum

“…Rarely, communication with the tracheobronchial tree will produce a gas-fluid level within the lesion. 30 In children, compression of the tracheobronchial tree may result in air trapping, 21 atelectasis, or tracheal deviation. 5 The lesion may be occult 21,31 or may be obscured by pulmonary consolidation.…”

“…Thoracoscopic or bronchoscopic needle drainage of nonbloody fluid containing mucus and bronchial epithelial cells in patients with CT features suggestive of foregut cyst may confirm the diagnosis. 4,22,30,32 Enterogenous cysts have radiologic features nearly identical to those of bronchogenic cysts. Sixty percent of esophageal duplication cysts are related to the distal esophagus, most commonly on the right side.…”

“…Foregut cysts are frequently treated with complete surgical excision, even when asymptomatic, to establish the diagnosis and prevent complications. 7,11,31 However, resection of incidentally discovered mediastinal bronchogenic cysts in asymptomatic adults is controversial 30 and some are occasionally followed. If complete excision is not possible, partial excision with "de-epithelization" of the residua can be performed.…”

“…When a patient refuses surgery or is not a surgical candidate, thoracoscopic or bronchoscopic needle drainage is an alternative. 30 The prognosis following complete excision is excellent. 19,21…”

Primary Mediastinal Tumors

“…Communication with the tracheobronchial tree is rare and may manifest as a gas-fluid level within the cyst. 52 In children, compression of the tracheobronchial tree may produce air trapping, 44 atelectasis, or tracheal deviation 31 (Fig 5). Occasionally, the cyst may be occult 44,53 or may be obscured by pulmonary consolidation.…”