Bronchogenic cyst of the esophagus: clinical and imaging features of seven cases

Seven unusual cases of esophageal bronchogenic cyst (EBC) are presented. Different from mediastinal or pulmonary bronchogenic cysts, EBCs predominately affect young women (six out of seven cases; mean age, 29.9 years), and clinically, such cases were characterized by dysphagia and chest pain, especially during exercise. On radiographs and computed tomographs, EBCs typically appeared as 3- to 4-cm midthoracic cystic masses close abutting to the midthoracic esophagus. Rarely, exophytic lower thoracic EBC may mimic lung nodule. Total cyst excision usually offers satisfactory outcome with no recurrence in long-term follow-up.