Presumed Infected Bronchogenic Cyst Presenting as Acute Pericarditis: A Case Report

Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital anomalies arising from abnormal budding of the ventral foregut during early embryogenesis. They are typically located in the mediastinum or pulmonary parenchyma and are mostly asymptomatic. However, complications such as infection, compression, hemorrhage, or rupture may cause significant morbidity. Surgical resection is recommended in symptomatic or complicated cysts and may also be justified in asymptomatic patients to prevent future complications. We report the case of a 40-year-old male who presented with chest pain and dysphagia. A presumptive diagnosis of a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst complicated by acute pericarditis and probable secondary infection was made based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings. The patient underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. This case highlights a rare but clinically significant complication of a bronchogenic cyst.