Percutaneous sclerotherapy for mediastinal cyst resulting in dyspnea due to tracheal compression in an elderly patient: A case report

Surgical resection is usually indicated for symptomatic mediastinal tumors. However, surgery potentially increases postoperative complications and hospitalization length in patients who are elderly, in poor general condition, or have tumors located in the thoracic inlet. We present an 84-year-old female with progressive cough and dyspnea for 1 week. Simple radiogram and computed tomography scan showed a large superior mediastinal cyst, sized 8.3 × 6.1 × 4.6 cm, narrowing the trachea. Ultrasonography- and fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy using alcohol and bleomycin was applied a single time. The patient was discharged 2 days later without complication, and she did not develop symptoms over a 6-year period. Percutaneous sclerotherapy, especially in patients who are elderly or in poor general condition, could be an effective and reliable tool for cyst management.