[Treatment of a compressive bronchogenic cyst by computed tomography-guided needle aspiration].

INTRODUCTION

Bronchogenic cysts are benign tumours of the posterior or middle mediastinum. Treatment usually consists of complete surgical resection. We report the case of an elderly woman presenting with an inoperable bronchogenic cyst causing tracheal compression which was treated successfully using computed-tomography (CT)-guided needle aspiration.

CASE REPORT

A 92 years old woman was admitted for inspiratory dyspnoea associated with stridor. She reported the incidental discovery of a right paratracheal mass, 2 years previously. Thoracic CT scan and bronchoscopy revealed a large mediastinal bronchogenic cyst causing tracheal compression. Surgery was contraindicated because of the patient's age and cardiac disease. CT-guided needle aspiration of 250 ml of viscous fluid was performed, followed by rapid clinical improvement. The patient remained symptom free for several months. The procedure was repeated successfully one year later because of a recurrence of compression.

CONCLUSION

This observation supports the potential use of CT guided transthoracic needle aspiration as an alternative to surgical treatment in cases of inoperable symptomatic bronchogenic cyst.