title: Bronchogenic cyst masquerading as a chronic post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the aortic isthmus.
abstract: The serious nature of false aneurysms that develop in the aortic isthmus after blunt chest trauma is well known. The authors describe the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of chronic post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta 3 months after blunt chest trauma. Radiologic investigations could not substantiate an aortic disruption. A bronchogenic cyst masquerading as a false aneurysm of the aorta was identified at thoracotomy. Bronchogenic cysts are one of the most common causes of primary mid-mediastinal masses and should be considered as potential causes of mid-mediastinal enlargement. However, this consideration should not delay urgent surgery if vascular damage cannot be ruled out.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: McNamee
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Knight
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D001994:Bronchogenic Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications*