INTRATHORACIC GASTRIC CYSTS

Abstract

Congenital intrathoracic mediastinal cysts may be classified as dermoid, teratomatous, pericardial, simple, lymphangiomatous, bronchial and alimentary. The alimentary group includes cysts which have esophageal, gastric or intestinal characteristics. To July 1946 the literature contained only 25 reports of cysts having gastric features. Eighteen of these showed only gastric mucosa and 7 cysts showed in addition esophageal, intestinal or even bronchial mucosa. The first gastric cyst was reported by Staehelin-Burckhardt in 1909.¹Prior to 1940, 11 such cysts were described.²Since then 14 more cases were added, and 12 of these occurred in the United States.³This greater frequency in the past seven years is due to the increasing use of the roentgen ray and to exploratory thoracotomy. The lag of case finding in other countries is probably due to the disruptions caused by the war, and more reports may be expected in the near future. Despite its