Thoracic duct cyst of the mediastinum

A case of mediastinal thoracic duct cyst is described. It is believed to be the first to be diagnosed before thoracotomy. Seven surgically treated cases have been reported but in none was the diagnosis made before operation. This case report concerns a 49-year-old woman who was operated upon because of a thoracic duct cyst that had been diagnosed by lymphangiography before the operation. Symptoms were caused by pressure of the cyst on the esophagus. The operation and immediate postoperative course were uneventful. One year later, the patient was doing well and no further investigation was recommended.