Intra-abdominal bronchogenic cyst with gastric attachment: report of a case

Abstract

We report a rare case of an intra-abdominal bronchogenic cyst. An abnormal lesion was detected on an ultrasonogram, done as part of a physical checkup, in an 81-year-old woman. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic mass attached to the lesser curvature of the stomach. Initially, we suspected a congenital cyst without malignant components; however, as the patient wished to have the lesion removed, we performed a minilaparotomy. The cystic lesion was firmly attached to the lesser curvature by fibrous tissue. Microscopic examination subsequently revealed the 26-mm mass to be a benign bronchogenic cyst with a bronchial element. We compared our findings with those of 50 previously reported cases of intraabdominal bronchogenic cysts. None of these patients was older than ours, and lesions attached to the esophagus or stomach were extremely unusual. Bronchogenic cysts are difficult to diagnose preoperatively based on imaging findings, but surgery may be indicated if malignant components are suspected, or if the lesion is enlarging or causing symptoms.