Mediastinal Bronchogenic Cyst With Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Bronchogenic cysts are rare in adults and often remain undetected until discovered incidentally on imaging or during a symptomatic investigation. The possibility of superior vena cava (SVC) compression due to a bronchogenic cyst arises in complex patient presentations. SVC syndrome poses several unique challenges due to the wide range of clinical symptoms and difficulty identifying the cause when symptoms first manifest. This case report examines a 39-year-old male who presented with symptoms resulting from SVC compression caused by a bronchogenic cyst, leading to SVC syndrome. We discuss the various imaging modalities used to assess the severity of the obstruction and the surgical interventions employed to alleviate the symptoms. A surgical intervention provides symptomatic relief and promises an excellent prognosis when performed without complications.

Keywords: bronchogenic cyst; duplication cyst; mediastinal mass; superior vena cava obstruction; superior vena cava syndrome.

Figure 1. (A) CT scan of the chest with homogenous soft-tissue mass in the mediastinum. (B) Mass causing stenosis of the SVC with compression of the distal trachea and carina

Figure 2. (A) Sagittal view of MRI of the chest. (B) Coronal view of MRI of the chest

Figure 3. Hematoxylin and eosin stains of (A) the submucosal gland in 20x magnification. (B) Ciliated bronchial epithelium in 40x magnification

Figure 4. CXR before (A) and after (B) the surgical resection of the bronchogenic cyst