To analyze the clinical features of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst.

The clinical data of 6 cases with retroperitoneal brochogenic cyst treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 1996 to October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.

Of the patients, 1 was male and 5 were female aging from 31 to 50 years with a mean age of 38.3 years. Three cases were diagnosed from physical examination, 2 cases from upper abdominal pain and 1 case from left flank pain. The cysts located in the left adrenal region, between the liver and the pancreas, and anterior aspect of the tail of the pancreas were seen in 4 cases, 1 case and 1 case, respectively. The major diameter was from 5 cm to 13 cm, and the mean major diameter was 7 cm. Ultrasonography and CT scan could reveal cystic, cystic-solid or solid masses. Color doppler flow imaging showed no obvious blood flow, and contrast-enhanced CT scans showed no enhancement or no obvious enhancement. Six cases were all misdiagnosed preoperatively. They all underwent operations via retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection for 3 cases, laparotomy for 2 cases and open flank resection for 1 case respectively. The pathological diagnoses were all bronchogenic cysts. Three symptomatic patients became asymptomatic after operations. Five patients had been followed up. During the follow-up of 2 months to 15 years, no recurrence had been found with CT scan.

Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst is rare and easily misdiagnosed. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a retroperitoneal mass. Most cysts are positioned in the left adrenal region and adjacent regions. Some cysts demonstrate soft tissue characteristics in image. After surgical removal, the patients have a good prognosis.

Cyst; Bronchogenic cyst; Retroperitoneal space