Unusual imaging features of completely isolated enteric duplication in a child

Enteric duplication cysts in children: varied presentations, varied imaging findings

Enteric duplication cysts (EDCs) are rare congenital malformations formed during the embryonic development of the digestive tract. They are usually detected prenatally or in the first years of life. The size, location, type, mucosal pattern and presence of complications produce a varied clinical presentation and different imaging findings. Ultrasonography (US) is the most used imaging method for diagnosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) are less frequently used, but can be helpful in cases of difficult surgical approach. Conservative surgery is the treatment of choice. Pathology confirms the intestinal origin of the cyst, showing a layer of smooth muscle in the wall and an epithelial lining inside, resembling some part of the gastrointestinal tract (GT). We review the different forms of presentation of the EDCs, showing both the typical and atypical imaging findings with the different imaging techniques. We correlate the imaging findings with the surgical results and the final pathological features. TEACHING POINTS: • EDCs are rare congenital anomalies from the digestive tract with uncertain pathogenesis. • More frequently, diagnosis is antenatal, with most EDCs occurring in the distal ileum. • Ultrasonography is the method of choice for diagnosis of EDCs. • Complicated EDCs can show atypical imaging findings. • Surgery is necessary to avoid complications.

Multiple Isolated Enteric Duplication Cysts in an Infant - A Diagnostic Dilemma

Completely isolated enteric duplication cysts are a rare variety of enteric duplication cysts having an independent blood supply with no communication with any part of the adjacent bowel segment. We report a case showing two completely isolated enteric duplication cysts originating in the greater omentum and transverse mesocolon in an infant. Multiple isolated enteric duplication cysts involving non-contiguous bowel segments have not been previously reported in the literature. In addition the transverse mesocolon duplication cyst was infected showing septations and loss of double wall sign resulting in difficulty in imaging diagnosis. Both the cysts were excised and confirmed on histopathology.