Paratracheal Air Cysts in Middle-Aged Japanese Men

Although cases of paratracheal air cysts are rarely described, their frequency is probably underestimated. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and the clinical findings of paratracheal air cysts in 535 middle-aged healthy Japanese men by computed tomography scans and found 4 cases (0.75%) at the thoracic inlet level. All air cysts were located in the right posterolateral aspect of the trachea. We found small fistulae with aerated bubbles on the right side of the membranous part of the trachea by the flexible bronchoscope in 2 cases, considered to be communications with paratracheal air cysts. All cases of paratracheal air cysts did not have a history of pulmonary diseases or pulmonary symptoms. Their pulmonary functions were normal and there were no cases of airflow limitation. From these results, it seems difficult to say that the paratracheal air cyst is a sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.