American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

In which mediastinal region are enteric cysts commonly found?

1. Anteriormediastinum

2. Middle mediastinum

3. Posterior mediastinum

4. Superior mediastinum

The correct answer is: Posterior mediastinum

Enteric cysts are developmental anomalies that arise from the remnants of embryonic digestive tract tissue. They are more commonly found in the posterior mediastinum. This region is situated behind the heart and great vessels, encompassing the thoracic aorta, esophagus, and spine, making it a suitable environment for these cysts to develop due to the proximity of abdominal structures. The posterior mediastinum also has considerable space, which allows the growth of such cysts without immediate interference from major thoracic organs. Enteric cysts in this region are often asymptomatic unless they exert pressure on adjacent structures or become infected. In contrast, the other mediastinal regions, such as the anterior, middle, and superior mediastinum, typically harbor different types of lesions or anomalies more specific to those areas, like thymomas, lymphomas, or vascular issues. Understanding the location and characteristics of enteric cysts is crucial for surgical planning and diagnosis during imaging studies.