Foregut cysts of the mediastinum. Results in 20 consecutive surgically treated cases.

Mediastinal cysts of foregut origin represent an important diagnostic group. Classified according to their anomalous embryonic origins, they include bronchogenic, esophageal, enteric, and nonspecific cysts. A series of 20 consecutive surgically treated cases from the thoracic surgical service of a large medical center is reported, all successfully resolved without mortality. Described are 12 bronchogenic, four enterogenous, and four nonspecific cysts, occurring in a variety of thoracic locations. Close attention to symptomatology reveals a wide range of manifestations, from total absence of symptoms to life-threatening respiratory distress. Definitive diagnosis was accomplished in some cases by means of noninvasive radiologic techniques, while angiography, bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy were also useful in selected instances. Operative therapy consisted of complete excision if possible or partial excision if adhesion to intrathoracic bodies had occurred.