A case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst with malignant change

Abstract

Abdominal bronchogenic cysts are rare abnormalities. We report a unique case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst with malignant change. A 67-year-old woman who complained of abdominal fullness was admitted for further examination. A CT scan showed the presence of a cystic mass whose wall contained solid portions and was located below the left side of the diaphragm. Percutaneous needle aspiration from the mass yielded a large amount of mucus that contained malignant cells, and the patient's serum CEA and CA-125 levels were elevated. A diagnosis of malignant retroperitoneal cystic tumor was made and the tumor was resected. On entering the abdomen, the tumor was observed in the retroperitoneal cavity and was easily dissected from adjacent organs, including the diaphragm, posterior abdominal wall, pancreas, left kidney, and left adrenal gland. Histological examination of the resected specimen showed mucinous adenocarcinoma in the solid portion of a bronchogenic cyst. The tumor markers decreased to within their normal ranges after the operation.