Bronchogenic cyst vs esophageal duplication cyst

Bronchogenic cysts and esophageal duplication cysts are embryological foregut duplication cysts and are also differential diagnoses for a cystic mediastinal mass.

Differences

Symptoms
  • asymptomatic bronchogenic cyst
  • symptomatic esophageal cyst in the case of peptic ulceration
Plain radiograph 
Location
  • bronchogenic cysts appear at a subcarinal location (most commonly)
  • esophageal cysts appear more tubular and in close relation to the esophagus
CT
Cyst wall
  • thin-walled bronchogenic cyst
  • relatively thick-walled esophageal cyst (due to the presence of smooth muscle)

See also