Bronchogenic cysts: a cause of stridor in the neonate

Bronchogenic cyst of the mediastinum, a cause of stridor in the neonate, is one of a group of congenital lesions of the mediastinum that results from abnormal budding of the ventral segment of the primitive foregut. A review of our treatment of 15 patients over 10 years at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center is highlighted by a case report of a newborn with stridor and severe respiratory distress caused by a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst. We assess the literature on these rare but life-threatening lesions, and discuss the embryology, diagnostic work-up, and treatment, emphasizing the roles of different radiologic modalities in evaluating patients.