Complete recovery of an isolated left vocal fold palsy associated with a benign mediastinal thymic cyst.
OBJECTIVE
To present a case of benign mediastinal thymic cyst, and to review the published information on these cysts, including their incidence, presentation, diagnosis and management.


METHODS
We report the case of a 55-year-old man who presented with a unilateral vocal fold palsy subsequently found to be due to the presence of a benign mediastinal thymic cyst. A literature search was undertaken to identify the incidence, key features and management of this rare condition.


RESULTS
Benign mediastinal thymic cysts are a rare cause of mediastinal masses. Usually diagnosed incidentally, their management is usually surgical. Vocal fold palsy in isolation has not previously been reported in association with mediastinal thymic cysts.


CONCLUSIONS
This report describes what we believe to be the first published case of a completely reversible vocal fold palsy presenting in association with a rare benign mediastinal thymic cyst.
Woolley
S L
SL
Emergency Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Cardiff, Wales, UK. sarah.woolley@ubht.nhs.uk
Espeso
A
A
Smith
D R K
DR
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008476:Mediastinal Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*