Bronchogenic Cyst

  • Etiology: Abnormal budding of tracheobronchial tree lined with respiratory epithelium that only communicates with tracheobronchial tree if infected
  • Imaging:
    — 50% in mediastinum – commonly subcarinal
    — 50% in lung with preference for lower lobes
    — Well marginated and thin walled single fluid-filled cyst that is closely related to but not connected to adjacent airway
  • Imaging UpperGI: May cause anterior or posterior indentation on esophagus
  • DDX: Esophageal duplication
  • Complications: May be associated with recurrent lung infections
  • Treatment:
  • Clinical: If in mediastinum presents with dysphagia or respiratory distress while if in lungs is asymptomatic

Radiology Cases of Bronchogenic Cyst

CXR and CT of bronchogenic cyst
CXR shows a rounded retrocardiac mass on the left. CT with contrast of the chest shows the mass to not enhance and to be located anterior to the aorta and to the left of the inferior vena cava.

CXR of pediatric bronchogenic cyst
CXR PA (left) shows a round soft tissue mass projecting just to the left of the spine that on CXR lateral (right) localizes to the middle mediastinum.