Subcarinal air cysts refer to small air cysts that can be detected on a CT. They are thought to represent small main bronchial diverticula although the former term is preferred 2. They may be associated with chronic airflow limitation. Some authors also consider these lying on the same spectrum of conditions as right paratracheal air cysts 1.
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Clinical presentation
Patients are asymptomatic and they are often seen on imaging for some other reason.
Radiographic features
HRCT - CT chest
They typically have a lobulated margin and can demonstrate ductlike communications between the air cyst and bronchi. Duct-like communications can arise from the posteroinferior aspect of the proximal side of the main bronchi; they can be either solitary or multiple. The larger subcarinal air cysts tend to be multiloculated.
Differential diagnosis
If there are relevant clinical factors, consider
a small pneumomediastinum
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