Combined oesophageal and tracheal duplication cyst in an Arabian filly

Complete tracheal duplication with a communicating oesophageal foregut malformation in a dog

A complete tracheal duplication with a communicating foregut malformation has not been previously reported. We now describe the clinical presentation, computed tomography imaging features and pathological findings associated with this condition in a 12-week-old dog. The dog presented with recurrent episodes of bronchopneumonia and a soft tissue swelling in the ventral cervical region. The main findings were a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula connecting the tracheal and oesophageal anomalies, with secondary moderately neutrophilic bronchopneumonia. In addition, there was a suspected concurrent congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrioventricular endocardiosis. This report highlights a novel foregut duplication and may assist in understanding the currently debated aetiopathogenesis of this condition in both humans and animals.

Surgical resolution of an oesophageal duplication cyst causing regurgitation in a domestic shorthair cat

CASE SUMMARY

An 18-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was referred for investigation of a 6 month period of regurgitation. Contrast radiography indicated an intramural oesophageal structure. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the area retrieved viscous fluid containing high numbers of squamous epithelial cells. Computed tomography disclosed a thin-walled contrast-enhancing structure containing non-enhancing homogenous contents. Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed an intramural cystic oesophageal structure, which was resected. Histopathological analysis of the resected tissue demonstrated an intramural oesophageal duplication cyst. A 12 month follow-up period has seen complete resolution of the cat's clinical signs.

RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION

This is the first report of successful oesophageal duplication cyst removal in a cat. Oesophageal duplication cysts should be included on the differential list for dysphagia and regurgitation in cats. Complete surgical removal in this cat carried a good long-term outcome.

Esophageal cyst in the duodenum of a foal

A 21-day-old Thoroughbred colt was euthanized following a history of recurrent colic. A 4.5 cm in diameter, occlusive, submucosal cyst was identified in the duodenum at necropsy. Histologically, the cyst was surrounded by a smooth muscle wall and was lined by both squamous and attenuated cuboidal to columnar epithelium. A diagnosis of an esophageal cyst was made based on the gross and histologic findings.

Branchial remnant cysts of mature and juvenile horses

This clinical report describes 8 cases of branchial remnant cysts (BRC) in the horse. The horses presented with bimodal age distribution, with 5 cases in mature horses (age 8-21 years) and 3 in foals (age 1, 6 and 10 months). Mature cases presented for dysphagia or intermittent oesophageal obstruction (2/5), and retropharyngeal swelling (3/5), whereas respiratory stridor and visible mass were presenting complaints in the foals. Presence of a right-sided (5/8) or dorsally located (2/8) palpable retropharyngeal mass of 3-35 cm diameter was noted clinically; one left-sided mass was identified as an incidental finding at necropsy. Ultrasonography typically revealed a thick-walled cyst containing hypoechoic fluid with dependent hyperechoic masses consistent with blood clots. Radiographs and upper airway endoscopy were also consistent with a retropharyngeal mass. Fluid cytology revealed chronic haemorrhage in 6/8 cases, and squamous epithelial cells in one case. Histopathology in all cases demonstrated an epithelium-lined cyst with no smooth muscle or thyroid tissue. Two cases was subjected to euthanasia; one due to concurrent laryngeal anomalies and one due to financial constraints. The remaining 5 cases were treated via surgical excision. Post operatively, right laryngeal hemiplegia was observed in 4/5 cases. All previous reports of BRC in the horse have described juvenile individuals. Brachial remnant cyst should be considered a differential diagnosis for mature horses with masses of the throatlatch area and can be definitively diagnosed by the presence of squamous epithelium in aspirated fluid or by histopathology of the excised mass. Right recurrent laryngeal nerve damage is a common complication of surgery.

Bronchogenic and Esophageal Cyst With Laryngeal Malformations in a Thoroughbred Foal

This report documents an unusual case of congenital foregut cyst with dysphagia and stridor in a Thoroughbred foal. Histologically, the bilocular cyst, near the junction of larynx and trachea, had an epithelial lining of bronchogenic and esophageal origin. Concomitant malformation of the laryngeal muscles and cartilage resulted in a combination of anomalies that have not been reported in the human or veterinary literature.

Esophageal Duplication Cyst in a Dog

A cranial cervical mass was surgically removed from a dog. On histologic examination, the mass was consistent with an esophageal duplication cyst, a condition rare in humans and not reported in the dog.

Marsupialization and iodine sclerotherapy of a branchial cyst in a horse

A 6-month-old Morgan colt was evaluated because of a 10-cm right-sided retropharyngeal swelling. The swelling was soft and moveable on examination, and palpation did not elicit signs of pain. Radiography revealed a large space-occupying mass ventral to the second cervical vertebra; ultrasonography revealed an anechoic fluid-filled structure with a well-defined hyperechoic capsule. Fine-needle aspiration yielded a viscous amber fluid. Cytologic evaluation indicated that the fluid was an exudate; anaerobic and aerobic bacterial culture did not yield any growth. Histologic examination of a portion of the cyst capsule revealed a connective tissue wall lined by pseudostratified columnar to cuboidal epithelium, consistent with a branchial cyst. The cyst wall was marsupialized to the skin, and iodine sclerotherapy was performed twice daily for 14 days, at which time forceps were introduced into the cyst and the cyst lining was removed. The site was allowed to heal by second intention, but 10 days later, the swelling recurred. An incision was made over the previous marsupialization site, and residual remnants of the cauterized cyst lining were removed with a forceps. The foal did not have any other complications during the subsequent 2 years. Branchial arch cysts are uncommon embryonic anomalies of horses, mice, cats, dogs, and cattle. Results suggest that marsupialization and iodine sclerotherapy may be a viable alternative to surgical excision in horses with branchial cysts; however, the entire cyst lining must be removed at the completion of sclerotherapy to prevent recurrence and abscess formation.