[Cardiac dysrhythmia and atypical angina symptoms caused by two bronchogenic cysts]

A 41-year-old male saw his general practitioner because of progressive atypical angina symptoms and palpitations for the last 7 years. Chest X-ray showed a mediastinal mass. Further investigation by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac catheterization revealed two bronchogenic cysts. After median sternotomy and pericardial incision, two cystic masses were found on top of and dorsal to the right atrium. Following resection, the patient was free of previously experienced problems related to his atypical angina symptoms. Histological investigation showed no signs of malignancy.

In patients with atypical angina pectoris the rare case of a bronchogenic cyst has to be considered a possible reason for the symptoms. In addition, patients might show atrium-induced dysrhythmia, coughing with purulent sputum, and pain. CT and MRI are absolutely necessary for exclusion of metastases and aneurysms in the mediastinum.