Asymptomatic bronchogenic cyst in a six-year old girl

Abstract

Bronchogenic cysts in childhood are rare congenital anomalies resulting from the abnormal development of the tracheo-bronchial tree. They are usually found in the mediatinum around the tracheo-bronchial tree or in the lung parenchyma. We report a case of bronchogenic cyst in a six-year old girl presented with fever, cough and chest pain 7 days prior to admission in the hospital. The patient did not have history of any pulmonary disease before. The initial clinical and laboratory findings were suggestive of a lung abscess. Chest x-ray showed a round shadow with an air-fluid level in the middle parts of the right lung. Antibiotic treatment was initiated and the control chest-x ray did not show significant improvement. Computed tomography of the chest further confirmed the cyst with an air-fluid level and better defined its location and size. The cyst was removed by total excision and the histological analysis revealed its bronchogenic origin. The postoperative course was free from complications. Bronchogenic cysts are rare in childhood. Presented as a lung mass with or without infection they should be surgical treated. Surgery establishes the diagnosis and removes the symptoms, additionally preventing complications (infections, haemorrhage, pneumothorax, sudden respiratory compromise and malignant transformation),