Bronchogenic cysts and esophageal duplication cysts are embryological foregut duplication cysts and are also differential diagnoses for a cystic mediastinal mass.
Differences
Symptoms
bronchogenic cysts asymptomatic unless infected
esophageal duplication cysts can present with hemorrhage or perforation due to ectopic gastric mucosa, or infection
both can cause symptoms due to mass effect and compression of adjacent structures
Plain radiograph
Location
bronchogenic cysts are most commonly adjacent to major bronchi or the trachea
esophageal cysts can be tubular and are typically closely related to the esophagus, even intramural
CT
Cyst wall
bronchogenic cysts have a thin wall containing smooth muscle or cartilage and are lined by respiratory epithelium
esophageal cysts have a thicker wall with a ‘gut signature’ on ultrasound due to a double muscle layer which can show ring contraction
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