Severe mediastinitis caused by an infected bronchogenic cyst

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Jan 13;16(1):e253099. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253099.

Abstract

Bronchogenic cysts (BCs) are congenital foregut malformations and usually asymptomatic, thin-walled, incidentally diagnosed cysts which can be easily resected by a minimal invasive approach at this time point. However, they may develop symptoms such as infection, bleeding or compression of adjacent structures. There is no consensus about the risk of developing complications during a lifetime; however, recent reports suggest a higher incidence than initially believed. Here, we report a case of severe life-threatening mediastinitis emerging from an infected BC requiring complex surgery, which could have been avoided if surgery had been performed at an early, asymptomatic stage.

Keywords: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Cardiothoracic surgery; Pneumomediastinum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bronchogenic Cyst* / complications
  • Bronchogenic Cyst* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchogenic Cyst* / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Mediastinitis* / diagnosis
  • Mediastinitis* / etiology