Bronchogenic cyst, an unusual cause of respiratory distress in a neonate

Objective: To present an unusual cause of neonatal respiratory distress. Materials and methods: Case report and review of the literature. Results: A premature neonate was born with biphasic stridor requiring intubation soon after birth. Endoscopic evaluation of the airway after two failed extubations revealed extrinsic compression of the intrathoracic trachea at the level of the carina and right mainstem bronchus. An MRI revealed a cyst in close relationship with the carina with splaying of the mainstem bronchi. The cyst was excised through a thoracotomy and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. The patient was successfully extubated after the procedure. Conclusion: Bronchogenic cysts are rare and can cause severe lower airway obstruction in the newborn. Surgical excision is recommended in all symptomatic patients to provide definitive histologic diagnosis, alleviate symptoms, and prevent the development of associated complications.