Addressing the relationship between paratracheal air cyst and Paranchymal lung disease in thoracic CT-scan in patients referring to Golestan Hospital of Ahvaz

Abstract

Background and Aims:Gas accumulation around the tracheamay is observed in neck and thoracic CT scans making the radiologist suspect whether these symptoms are associated with a pathologic process. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of partharesal cysts and their association with lung disease.Methods:The results of 400 patients evaluated for thoracic routine were analyzed for presence of paratracheal cysts. The location of cysts, size, shape and their relationship with the trachea were studied. The patients’ results were compared with and without paratracheal cysts. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.Results:Paratracheal cysts were found in 30 patients (7.5%) including 12 males and 18 females (P = 0.07). The age range was between 3 to 78 years old and the mean ages in patients with and without paratracheal cysts were 54 and 38 years, respectively (P < 0.0001). More than 60% of patients had cysts associated with the trachea. The mean AP level in patients with paratracheal cysts was significantly higher (P = 0.04). In addition, it was observed that the incidence of paratracheal cysts in patients with lung disease and especially COPD patients was higher (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:In general, the results of this study showed that paratracheal cysts had a high prevalence and had a significant correlation with the presence of COPD. It was also observed that the incidence of these cysts increases in older people, which indicates that paratracheal cysts have an acquired mechanism.

Incidental paratracheal air cyst in papillary thyroid cancer patient: a case report

“…Respiratory tract abnormalities (such as bronchomalacia of the right upper lobe bronchus and cystic adenomatoid malformation), obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis), emphysema, inflammatory lung disease (such as upper lung fibrosis), chronic cough, and trauma to the thorax have been investigated. Although several studies have suggested a positive correlation between PTAC and obstructive lung disease, upper lung fibrosis, and lung emphysema (8,9,13,14), others found no significant relationship with lung disease (5)(6)(7).…”

“…Some reports, however, described a prevalence up to 6.5% or 8.1% due to advanced CT technology resulting in thinner sections and higher spatial resolution (5,6). Most studies have shown a higher occurrence of PTACs among women (5,6,9,13). The prevalence peak has been reported to occur in the fifth to sixth decade of life (5,7,13,14).…”

“…The most popular hypothesis is tracheal mucus sprouting through weak trachea points due to chronic inflammation or increased intraluminal pressure (1). The cause of right-sided positioning is probably due to lack of support of the left-lying esophagus and the aortic arch (3,9). PTACs tend to be located at the point of least resistance, the thoracic inlet, which is the transitional point between the extrathoracic and intrathoracic trachea.…”

“…A previous study reported an association between PTACs and other pulmonary abnormalities, including congenital respiratory tract abnormalities, obstructive lung diseases, emphysema, upper lung fibrosis, chronic cough, and trauma in the thorax. However, few studies have determined these relationships (1,2,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Similar to tracheal diverticula, PTAC can cause a variety of chronic and recurrent aerodigestive tract symptoms (10).…”

A Case of Fungal Infection of Paratracheal Cyst that caused Airway Obstruction

“…1,2) They may, however, function as a reservoir for secretion, thereby chronic infection could occur. 3,4) Although respiratory symptoms may be caused by the infected cysts, there are little knowledge and interest in this clinical entity. Also, the anatomic location of the cysts could make it difficult to decide on surgical intervention.…”