Lymphoepithelial cysts in the mediastinum with an opening to the trachea

Respiration. 1995;62(2):110-3. doi: 10.1159/000196403.

Abstract

A case of lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) in the mediastinum, manifested radiographically by paratracheal air collection, is reported. Percutaneous injection of radiopaque material and indocyanine green into a cyst showed an opening to the trachea. During surgical resection, three well-circumscribed cysts were isolated. Pathologically the cysts were lined by a ciliated columnar epithelium and surrounded by lymphoid tissue with germinal centers. Judging from the level of the duct opening onto the airway, these LECs might have derived from a remnant of the fourth branchial pouch. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Branchioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Branchioma / pathology*
  • Female
  • Fistula / pathology
  • Humans
  • Mediastinal Cyst / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Cyst / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tracheal Diseases / pathology