subcarinal air cyst

Subcarinal air cysts refer to small air cysts that can be detected on a CT scan. They are thought to represent small main bronchial diverticula although the former term is preferred . They may be associated with chronic airflow limitation.

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. Ductlike communications can arise from the posterointerior 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

See also

• paratracheal air cysts
• bronchial diverticulum

Siehe auch:

• Trachealdivertikel
• Mediastinalemphysem
• para-tracheal air cyst
• Bronchialdivertikel
• Bronchus cardiacus

und weiter:

• Carina tracheae
• kongenitale Anomalien des Tracheobronchialsystems