Oesophageal duplication cyst: another cause of neonatal respiratory distress

Communicating oesophageal duplication cyst with heterotopic pancreatic tissue - an unusual cause of recurrent pneumonia in an infant

Communicating oesophageal duplication cyst with heterotopic pancreatic tissue is rare congenital anomaly and unusual cause of recurrent pneumonia in children. We report a 10-month-old boy who presented with history, examination and investigations suggestive of aspiration pneumonia since birth. The imaging studies revealed a thin walled cavity communicating with the oesophageal lumen that was excised by surgery. Histopathology showed squamous epithelial lining of cyst with heterotopic pancreatic tissue.

CONCLUSION

Communicating oesophageal cyst causing persistent signs and symptoms can be an unusual cause of recurrent pneumonia in an infant that can be diagnosed by further imaging studies.

Congenital anomalies of the esophagus

Congenital malformations of the esophagus are frequently encountered by pediatric surgeons, especially esophageal atresia with or without tracheo-esophageal fistula. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these various anomalies are not clear. Here we present a brief overview of the embryologic development of the tracheoesophageal tube, along with some of the genetic controls which, when defective can lead to abnormal separation of this tube.

Duplication cyst of oesophagus: a case report

Duplication of the oesophagus is the second most common duplication of the gastrointestinal tract. Children with oesophageal duplication cyst usually present with dysphagia or as asymptomatic thoracic mass found o incidental chest x-ray. We report a case of oesophageal duplication cyst that presented with inspiratory stridor and dyspnoea in a 6 month old boy. Bronchoscopy revealed an external compression on the trachea. Duplication cyst arising from the oesophagus was suggested on CT and MRI. The cyst was surgically excised with resolution of symptoms.