A 34-year-old man presented with sudden back pain and dyspnea. Chest X-ray showed left-sided massive pleural effusion. Chest computed tomography revealed an intrathoracic mass sized 9 cm. Hemorrhagic effusion was achieved with thoracic drainage on admission. Diagnostic video-assisted surgery was indicated, and an unexpected cyst with bloody content was observed. The cyst was bluntly dissected from the pleura and removed from the diaphragm. The patient discharged uneventfully and there were no significant postoperative complications including bleeding or pneumothorax. Pathological observation of the cyst revealed pseudostratified ciliated epithelial cells, mucinous glands, and cartilage compatible with the diagnostic criteria for a bronchogenic cyst. Malignant transformation was not observed. Common clinical presentations of bronchogenic cysts include pain, dyspnea, and cough. Although rare, the risk of hemorrhage from bronchogenic cysts and subsequent development of hemothorax should not be underestimated.
Keywords: Bronchogenic cysts; Hemothorax; Thoracoscopy/VATS.