Bronchogenic cysts are congenital anomalies originating from the primitive
tracheobronchial tree in the fetal period. Although the middle mediastinum is
the site most commonly affected (second only to the lungs), there have been
reports of bronchogenic cysts at unusual sites, such as the retroperitoneum. We
report the case of a 4-year-old boy with a cystic mass in the left scapular area
since birth. The cyst grew progressively and was accompanied by recurrent
episodes of local infection requiring drainage. It was then surgically removed.
The histological findings were decisive for the diagnosis: a subcutaneous
cyst lined by ciliated columnar epithelium and surrounded by a fibrous wall
with smooth muscle tissue, cartilage, and bronchial glands. We also found
chronic inflammatory infiltrate, which is consistent with previous episodes of
infection. Bronchogenic cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis
of cystic tumors of the chest wall and neck, particularly in children. Surgery is
the treatment of choice because of the risk of infection, as in this case, and of
malignant degeneration.
