Published online Jul 6, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i19.6679
Peer-review started: January 5, 2022
First decision: January 18, 2022
Revised: February 10, 2022
Accepted: May 8, 2022
Article in press: May 8, 2022
Published online: July 6, 2022
Processing time: 169 Days and 15.7 Hours
Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst (RBC) is an extremely rare developmental abnormality. Most are benign tumors but malignant transformation is possible. Because of their anatomical position, RBCs are easily misdiagnosed as adrenal or pancreatic solid tumors on radiological evaluation. Here, we report a case of RBC, review the literature, and summarize some important features.
A 49-year-old woman was incidentally found to have a retroperitoneal tumor during a physical examination. Enhanced computed tomography and laboratory evaluations, including routine blood examination, blood biochemistry, 24-h urine 17 ketones, 17 hydroxyls, adrenocortical hormone, serum potassium concentration, serum amylase, lipase, and epithelial tumor markers, revealed a moderate density, 54 mm × 40 mm mass with a clear boundary near the left adrenal gland. The were no abnormalities in the blood and urine values. Because the patient had a history of hypertension and the location of the mass was adjacent to the adrenal gland, it was initially diagnosed as a left adrenal tumor and was resected by retroperitoneal laparoscopy. However, the pathological examination after surgery confirmed it to be a bronchogenic cyst.
Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery can be prioritized for symptomatic RBC patients. Conservative treatment is feasible for selected patients.
Core Tip: Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst (RBC) is a very rare congenital abnormality. It is usually a benign lesion but may become malignant. It primarily occurs at 20-60 years of age, with no sex difference. Most RBCs occur on the left side of the abdomen. Imaging is often nonspecific, and the diagnosis is usually confirmed by histopathology. Magnetic resonance imaging is more useful than computed tomography, endocrinological evaluation is necessary, and retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery is a priority for patients with symptoms. Conservative treatment is effective in selected patients, but malignant transformation, infection, and bleeding must first be ruled out.