Presentation
A male patient referred for CT due to left longstanding intercostal pain.
Patient Data
Age: 59
Gender: Male
From the case:
Paratracheal air cysts
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Right-sided, multiloculated paratracheal air cysts at the level of thoracic inlet are evident. A clear connection of the trachea with one of the cysts is demonstrated.
No abnormalities of other structures of the chest are evident.
Case Discussion
Para-tracheal air cysts are a frequent CT finding that may mimic pneumomediastinum. Therefore every radiologist must be familiar with their typical appearance in order to prevent unnecessary surgical exploration, especially in patients sustained an injury.