Giant presternal subcutaneous bronchogenic cyst: a rare but possible occurrence

Abstract

Bronchogenic cysts are generally detected in the mediastinum, along the tracheobronchial tree, or in the lung parenchyma. Subcutaneous presternal bronchogenic cysts have been rarely described, and they are usually of small size (<3 cm) and reported in children. We report a case of giant presternal subcutaneous bronchogenic cyst in a 20-year-old man. Presternal subcutaneous bronchogenic cysts, despite their rarity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all subcutaneous cystic masses, independent of their size and the patient’s age.

Giant subcutaneous bronchogenic cyst in the intergluteal cleft region of an adult: a case report and literature review

“…On occasion, however, they present with bronchial glands, cartilage, smooth muscle, and mucoid material. BCs have be found in both intrathoracic and extrathoracic locations [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 10 , 11 ]. More than 50% of BCs are located in the thoracic cavity [ 11 ].…”

“…More than 50% of BCs are located in the thoracic cavity [ 11 ]. Ectopic, extrathoracic BCs may occur in cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues, the neck, the scapular area, abdominal wall, or retroperitoneal area, among other sites [ 6 , 8 – 11 ]. It remains unclear how these cysts reach such aberrant positions.…”

“…It remains unclear how these cysts reach such aberrant positions. Although subcutaneous BCs are rarely reported, their most common sites are the suprasternal notch, presternal area, neck, and scapula [ 5 – 8 ]. Our search showed no prior reports of subcutaneous BCs in the intergluteal cleft region.…”

“…Clinically, subcutaneous BCs have been found shortly after birth or during early childhood. More than 80 cutaneous or subcutaneous BCs have been reported in the English-language literature [ 8 , 9 ]. Subcutaneous BCs in adults are extremely rare.…”

“…Clinically, subcutaneous BCs generally appear shortly after birth or during early childhood. They are exceedingly rare in adults [ 8 ]. We found only five reported cases of subcutaneous BCs in people > 18 years of age in the English-language literature [ 5 – 9 ].…”