Giant bronchogenic cyst masquerading as tension pneumothorax. Radiographic and CT findings.

Abstract

Pulmonary bronchogenic cysts with tracheobronchial communication may occasionally mimic tension pneumothorax leading to unnecessary thoracostomy. We describe such a case to emphasize that cautious identification of the direction of displacement of the collapsed lung tissue on chest radiograph or computed tomography (CT) may help in differentiating these two diseases. Tension pneumothorax should lead to centripetal compression of the ipsilateral lung toward the hilum while giant bronchogenic cysts result in centrifugal displacement of the adjacent lung away from the hilum.

• Authors: S F Ko, J H Chuang, C K Niu, S H Ng, T Y Lee
• Journal: Clinical imaging (Clin Imaging) 1997 Nov-Dec Vol. 21 Issue 6 Pg. 400-3 ISSN: 0899-7071 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9391730 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Bronchogenic Cyst (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Child, Preschool
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Diagnostic Errors
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Pneumothorax (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Postoperative Complications
• Radiography, Thoracic
• Thoracostomy (adverse effects)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed