Fact-sheet: Bronchogenic cyst
Updated on 09/17/2021 at 12:16 PM
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Definition
Cystic lesion resulting from an embryologic developmental anomaly derived from an abnormal bud of the primitive foregut.
Most commonly mediastinal (86%), otherwise intrapulmonary.
Clinical features
Often asymptomatic
Dyspnea
Stridor
Infection (intraparenchymal location)
CT
Well-circumscribed mediastinal mass, most often involving the middle mediastinum.
When located within the parenchyma, its appearance can be misleading in cases of superinfection.
Cystic density (0 HU), which can reach up to 100–120 HU.
Possible peripheral enhancement
MRI
Sometimes spontaneous T1 hyperintensity related to its protein content
Differential diagnosis
Pleuropericardial cyst
Pleural empyema
Cavitated or abscessed pneumonia