ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the diagnosis and therapy of mediastinal enterogenous cysts in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 17 cases with mediastinal enterogenous cysts within 19 years in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One case was intramural esophageal cyst and 16 cases were enteric cysts, two among which were complicated with abdominal enteric duplications. Most cases presented with symptoms of respiratory distress. Twelve cases were complicated with vertebral anomalies. Ultrasound of 12 cases and magnetic resonance imaging of 4 cases were helpful in confirming the cystic nature of these lesions. Eight cases had technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy of posterior mediastinum.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most patients present with symptoms of respiratory distress, complicated with vertebral anomalies. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in confirming the cystic nature of these lesions. Technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy is the most effective method for differentiation of the disease from other mediastinal cysts.</p>