Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst masquerading as an adrenal incidentaloma

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Surgical Pathology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Bronchogenic cysts are rare developmental malformations originating from the primitive foregut.
• These cysts exceptionally occur in the retroperitoneum, often presenting as adrenal incidentalomas.
• Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts can clinically mimic adrenal tumors like phaeochromocytoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a rare case of a retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst.
• To discuss its presentation as an adrenal incidentaloma mimicking phaeochromocytoma.
• To emphasize the diagnostic considerations for atypical adrenal masses.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings.
• Discussion of embryogenesis and differential diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas.

Main Results:

• A retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst was identified incidentally.
• The cyst presented as an adrenal incidentaloma, clinically masquerading as a phaeochromocytoma.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis, revealing characteristic bronchogenic cyst features.

Conclusions:

• Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts are rare and can mimic adrenal tumors, necessitating inclusion in the differential diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas.
• Atypical adrenal masses, even with normal hormonal studies, warrant surgical evaluation and histopathological analysis.
• Understanding foregut embryogenesis is crucial for recognizing such rare developmental anomalies.