Infected tracheocoele (acquired tracheal diverticulum): case report and literature review

Background: Paratracheal air-filled cysts are rare. Tracheocoele or acquired tracheal diverticulum is the term given to these acquired abnormalities, which usually arise in adults. The majority is asymptomatic, being discovered as incidental findings on radiological imaging. Methods: We report the case of a 72-year-old man with a previously identified tracheocoele which became symptomatic following an upper respiratory tract infection. A literature is presented and nomenclature is discussed. Results: The clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and management of paratracheal air-filled cysts are discussed. Conclusion: While most of these rare abnormalities are discovered incidentally, this case illustrates the fact that significant symptoms can develop; excision should therefore be considered.