Bronchogenic cysts: problems in diagnosis and management.

Bronchogenic cysts usually are easily recognized and treated. On occasion they can present problems in diagnosis or management. We have experienced four such cases. A two month old infant whose cyst drained transbronchially during induction of anesthesia; a nine month old infant with preoperative respiratory obstructive signs; an adult with preoperative respiratory obstruction and acute severe respiratory distress during positioning for thoracotomy; and a newborn with an opacified hemithorax associated with retained fetal pulmonary fluid. Awareness of these unusual problems with bronchogenic cysts allows for promt and accurate management and avoids delays and possible complications.