Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst: a rare case report

Abstract

Background Although abdominal cysts are frequently observed, retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts (RBCs) are rare. We encountered a patient with RBC who underwent a series of examinations and surgical resections and was followed up for 5 years. Case presentation A 31-year-old woman presented to our center with abdominal trauma. Transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) inadvertently revealed a cystic lesion in the left upper quadrant, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a large homogeneous fluid-density lesion, which was tentatively diagnosed as a cystic teratoma. Neither ultrasound nor CT showed signs of abdominal organ damage. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection, and the lesion was removed entirely. The histopathology diagnosis was RBC. Conclusions Retroperitoneal bronchial cysts are rare and usually clinically asymptomatic. Although rare, retroperitoneal bronchial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with abdominal cystic masses. Imaging examinations, such as ultrasound and CT, are the main ways to detect the disease. Laparoscopyis a feasible and safe treatment for RBCs.