Bronchogenic cyst

Associate Editor:

Overview
While bronchogenic cysts are the most common cystic lesion of the mediastinum, their overall incidence is rare.

Pathophysiology and etiology
Bronchogenic cysts originate from anomalous development of the ventral foregut and can be found throughout the tracheoesophageal distribution including perihilar or intraparenchymal areas. they are usually single but may be multiple.

The most common location to find the anomaly is in the carina. The rarest locations include the interatrial septum, neck, abdomen, and retroperitoneal space.

If the cyst compresses a vital respiratory or cardiac structure, it can be symptomatic and life threatening.

Symptoms
The majority of cases are asymptomatic, but some infants can present with respiratory distress, particularly if the cysts is located near the carina.

Chest X ray
The cyst may be identified on a routine chest x ray.

Pathological Findings
Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission. © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology