[Bronchogenic cysts of the mediastinum in childhood].

Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital anomalies result of abnormal development of the tracheobronchial tree. They develop in the lung parenchyma or in the mediastinum. For a period of 17 years (1975-1991) a total of 46 children with bronchogenic cysts have been treated; in 6 the cysts were localized in the mediastinum. Two patients were one-year-old, 3 were in the age group 1 to 3 years and 1 was older than 3 years. Four patients were boys and 2 girls. Two children had hacking cough and attacks of dyspnea; one had swallowing difficulties. In 3 children the disease produced no symptoms and was detected on examination for pneumonia (1 child) and acute upper respiratory tract infection (2 children). All children had conventional X-ray; 5 had esophagography as well, 4--computer axial tomography, 3--echography. All children were operated (total extirpation of the cyst) and left the hospital cured.