In simple words: A congenital mediastinal cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the area between your lungs that is present from birth. This area, called the mediastinum, houses vital organs like your heart, windpipe, and esophagus.

A congenital cyst of the mediastinum is a cyst present from birth in the mediastinum. The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity surrounded by loose connective tissue, as an undelineated region that contains a group of structures within the thorax. The mediastinum contains the heart and its vessels, the esophagus, trachea, phrenic and cardiac nerves, the thoracic duct, thymus and lymph nodes of the central chest.

Example 1: A newborn infant is found to have a cyst in the mediastinum on a chest x-ray performed for respiratory distress., A 20-year-old patient undergoes a CT scan of the chest for an unrelated reason, and a small, asymptomatic mediastinal cyst is incidentally discovered. , A 50-year-old individual experiences chest pain and shortness of breath. Imaging reveals a large mediastinal cyst compressing the trachea.

Documentation should include imaging findings (chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI) confirming the presence and location of the cyst. Any associated symptoms or complications should also be noted. Information about the size and characteristics of the cyst, if available, is helpful.

** Congenital cysts of the mediastinum are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. However, they can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and dysphagia if they compress surrounding structures. Complications can include infection, rupture, and hemorrhage. Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms of the cyst. Observation, aspiration, or surgical excision may be necessary. It is important to distinguish congenital cysts from acquired cysts and tumors of the mediastinum.