Background

Bronchogenic mediastinal cysts (BMC) represent 18% of primitive mediastinal tumors, and are the most frequent cystic lesions in this anatomic region [1, 2]. Surgical resection is recommended. Video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been reported for the resection of these lesions. However, the presence of major adhesions to vital structures is considered by some authors as an unfavorable condition for BMC treatment by VATS. We report a surgical approach by VATS for a BMC with adhesion to the aortic arch. Diagnosis and treatment of the specific case is reported with literature review and therapeutic options.

Case Presentation

A 50 year old asymptomatic woman was referred to our out-patient clinic following occasional detection of a mediastinal mass. On routine chest x-ray performed before orthopaedic surgery, the suspicion arose of a mediastinal mass. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a cystic mass in the posterior mediastinum between the aortic arch and the vertebral bodies (Figure 1). The cyst extended from the 3rd thoracic vertebral body to the tracheal carina plane, with a length of 4 cm and a transversal diameter of 2.5 cm. The lesion appeared cystic with a well defined capsule and lacking enhancement after intravenous contrast injection. Surgical treatment was decided upon. Preoperative bronchoscopy excluded any communication between the cyst and the tracheobronchial tree. After double lumen intubation, the patient was placed in a right lateral position on the operating table. Three trocars were used: one on the fifth intercostal space along the anterior axillary line; one on the fifth intercostal space along the posterior axillary line; and the last one on the 7th intercostal space along the midaxillary line. The cyst was visualized by thoracoscopy, appearing with a major adhesion on the distal portion of the aortic arch (Figure 2). To facilitate surgical dissection of the cystic lesion from the aorta, fluid aspiration was performed (Figure 3). Once the cyst was empty, complete resection from the adherent aorta was easily completed (Figure 4a). However, despite total lesion excision, we completed the surgical procedure by passing the electrocautery on the pleural area where the cyst was adherent (Figure 4b). The procedure was completed with insertion of a chest tube. Histology examination confirmed the diagnosis of benign bronchogenic cyst with the typical feature of a ciliated columnar epithelial lining. The postoperative (PO) course was uneventful and the patient was discharged home on the 5th PO day. At 12 months follow-up the patient remains well with no recurrence on control CT scan.

Figure 1
figure 1

CT scan showing a cystic lesion. CT scan showing a cystic lesion (white arrow) located between the aortic arch and the thoracic spine.

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Figure 2
figure 2

Thoracoscopic finding. Thoracoscopic finding: large cystic lesion with adhesion to the aortic arch.

BMC: Bronchogenic mediastinal cyst. Ao: Aorta

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Figure 3
figure 3

Intraoperative steps. Intraoperative steps: Needle aspiration of cystic fluid.

BMC: Bronchogenic mediastinal cyst. Ao: Aorta

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Figure 4
figure 4

Final surgical steps. Final surgical steps showing: a) The cyst has been completely removed. b) Diathermy burning of the parietal pleura where cyst adhesions were present.

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Discussion

Bronchogenic mediastinal cysts (BMC) are a rare pathology, accounting for 18% of all primitive mediastinal tumors and represent the most frequent cystic lesions in this anatomic region [1–3].

They represent congenital malformations arising from an abnormal division of the tracheobronchial tree. In relation to the time of separation from the main tracheobronchial tree, the cysts may localize into the lung parenchyma or in the mediastinum, with percentages of 33% and 66%, respectively [4–6].

They are usually unilocular, rarely multilocular. Their wall is represented by a ciliated columnar epithelium lining, cartilage structure and occasionally may contain a mucinoid filling. BMC are usually asymptomatic, and often casually diagnosed. When present, symptoms are usually related to the area of occurrence and include chest pain, cough, dyspnoea, dysphagia, or emoptysis [7, 8].

Complications may occur, including infection, emoptysis, trachea or superior vena cava compression, intracystic haemorrhage, rupture, bronchial fistula, pneumothorax, and malignant changes, which have all been reported [9–13]. For this reason once the diagnosis of MBC is done, even if asymptomatic, surgical resection may be recommended. Complete resection represents the therapeutic gold standard, minimizing the recurrence incidence. Standard treatment has been usually by thoracothomy [14]. VATS treatment gradually became the first option also for BMC [15–17]. However, the presence of BMC with major adhesion to vital structures has been considered as an unfavorable condition for VATS treatment [14]. In our case, we treated the BMC by VATS despite the important adhesion on the aortic arch. We believe that cautious dissection of the cystic lesion after needle aspiration may prove useful in this setting. Intraoperative cyst aspiration may help in the handling of the lesion, reducing the risk of rupture. The advantage of thoracoscopy treatment is evidenced by reduced discomfort for the patient. The decreased postoperative pain is a result of the lack of intercostal incisions. Hospital stay and chest tube duration are lower as compared to open thoracothomy [17]. A relevant reason for conversion to open surgery would be major pleural adhesions [9, 14]. Aspiration of the cyst fluid has been recommended with the aim of facilitating cyst preparation [18]. We used cyst aspiration during surgical dissection in order to better separate the cystic structure from the underlying aorta. When the cyst has adhesion to vital structures, surgical removal may be somewhat hazardous and incomplete removal may predispose to recurrence. In those cases, the use of diathermy may be useful in completing the surgical excision [8, 19]. In our case, even after total excision, we completed the surgical approach with the use of electrocautery to the area of cyst attachment. Late recurrences have been reported, even after 25 years [20]. In any case, incomplete cyst excision has been reported not only for VATS but also for open surgery [5, 8–10, 14]. Cyst rupture during preparation does not prevent the procedure being completed by VATS [21]. Accurate preoperative imaging studies have been recommended to better plan the operative strategy. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are considered the best methodologies for preoperative diagnosis, with 100% reported accuracy for MRI [8]. Transesophageal ultrasonography may be useful, especially if an esophageal duplication cyst with communication to the esophagus is suspected [22].

Transthoracic and transbronchial needle aspiration has been used both diagnostically and therapeutically [23–25]. However, complete resection still represents the gold standard treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we believe a bronchogenic cyst should be treated by complete surgical resection. As previously reported by others, in relation to the advantages of the minimally invasive approach, we believe VATS treatment should be considered as the gold standard therapy. This approach may prove useful also in cases where there are adhesions to vital structures such as the aortic arch.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor in chief of this journal.