Bronchogenic Cysts (Bronchogene Zyste)

General information:

• Arises from parenchymal cells which have been isolated during budding and branching to form a mass of non - functioning pulmonary tissue. Central cysts are of early embryonic origin. They are solitary and usually asymptomatic until infection ocurs.
  
• Located near the pulmonary hilum or in the mediastinum (near the esophagus).
  
• The lesions appear as solid masses or they are air filled (fluid level) when they communicate with the airways.
  
• Rapid enlargement of a tension cyst may produce sudden respiratory distress.
  
• Malignant transformation has been described.

Symptoms:

• Usually asymptomatic.
  
• If the lesion becomes infected symptoms like fever, hemoptysis, cough with purulent secretions occur.

Diagnostic workout:

• X-ray, High – resolution CT scan.

Indication for operation:

• The asymptomatic cyst is also a clear indication for excision.
  

Treatment/Operation:

• Thoracotomy, excision.

Postoperative management:

• Chest tubes may be removed if the lung is fully expanded and drainage volumes decrease below 20 to 50cc during a 24 hour period.
  

Prognosis:

• Good.