Congenital mediastinal cysts are uncommon benign lesions generally caused by an abnormal embryological development of the foregut or coelomic cavity. They are expansive lesions, frequently asymptomatic that may manifest as a result from compression of adjacent structures. Bronchogenic, pericardial, enteric, thymic, esophageal duplication cysts and lymphangiomas are the main entities in this group of lesions. Congenital mediastinal cysts morphology is typical and imaging methods allow a correct diagnosis in a great number of cases. Surgical treatment is indicated only in cases of symptomatic lesions, considering that these lesions present no potential for malignant degeneration. The present study was aimed at commenting and illustrating the most relevant imaging findings of these lesions based on a retrospective review of ten cases collected in the records of the involved institutions.

Keywords: Congenital mediastinal cysts, Cystic neoplasms, Cysts

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a decrease in activity of the hepatic sterol 27-hydroxylase involved in the cholesterol metabolism and excretion. Consequently, lipid (cholesterol/cholestanol) deposition is observed in different regions of the body, especially tendons, central nervous system and eye lens. The present report describes the cases of two sisters affected by this disease, highlighting the main imaging findings.

Keywords: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, Xanthomatosis, Hypercholesterolemia, Magnetic resonance imaging, Computed tomography