Differences in the distribution and presentation of bronchogenic cysts between adults and children

Background Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital malformations that occur in adults and children, with differences in distribution and presentation. Methods The study population comprised 16 infants and children (aged 7 days to 18 years) and 23 adults (aged 20-78 years) who received pathological diagnoses of bronchogenic cysts over a 14-year period (1999-2012). Cyst distribution and presentation were reviewed. Results Half (8/16) of the infants and children presented with palpable masses in the neck (n = 6) or on the skin (n = 2), and only one (12.5%) presented with symptoms of mild stridor. Another eight pediatric patients had mediastinal (n = 7) or pulmonary (n = 1) bronchogenic cysts, and respiratory symptoms were present in six (75%) patients. Thirteen of 23 (56.5%) adult patients had asymptomatic cysts (neck, n = 1; mediastinum, n = 11; lung, n = 1). Symptomatic presentations occurred in 10/23 (43.5%) patients, including 2 with palpable mass in the neck, 3 in the mediastinum, 4 in the lung, and 1 in the retroperitoneum. Among the 13 asymptomatic patients, 6 were identified during regular health screening, 5 during routine chest computed tomographic surveys for cancer, and 2 incidentally found during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Bronchogenic cysts tended to be larger in symptomatic than in asymptomatic adults. Conclusion The clinical spectra of bronchogenic cysts differ between adults and children and are closely related to cyst location and, probably, size.