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Mediastinal esophageal cyst causing unilateral hyperlucent lung
T Fukumoto1, T Uyama, S Sakiyama
1Second Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Tokushima, Japan.
Insights
A rare case of unilateral emphysema in an infant was caused by an esophageal cyst compressing the left main bronchus. Surgical removal of the cyst led to a normalized left lung, resolving the hyperlucent lung condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Unilateral emphysema, a rare condition, can result from bronchial obstruction.
- Foregut-derived mediastinal cysts are uncommon causes of airway compression in infants.
Observation:
- An infant presented with a unilateral hyperlucent lung, indicating significant air trapping.
- This condition was caused by extrinsic compression of the left main bronchus by an esophageal cyst.
Findings:
- Chest computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) precisely visualized the esophageal cyst and its bronchial compression.
- Post-operative chest roentgenogram and perfusion scan confirmed complete resolution of the hyperlucent lung and normalized lung function.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering congenital mediastinal cysts in the differential diagnosis of unilateral neonatal lung abnormalities.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for successful management and long-term respiratory health in affected infants.
Abstract:
Unilateral emphysema secondary to bronchial obstruction by a foregut-derived mediastinal cyst is rare. Here we describe an infant with a unilateral hyperlucent lung due to compression on the left main bronchus by an esophageal cyst, visualized by chest computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A chest roentgenogram and a perfusion scan presented the normalized left lung after resection of the cyst.