Mediastinal esophageal duplication cyst associated with a partial pericardial defect

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Thoracic Pathology
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Esophageal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies arising from the foregut.
• Thoracic cysts of foregut origin can present with various associated defects.
• Bronchopulmonary foregut malformations represent a spectrum of developmental abnormalities.

Observation:

• A case report details a two-year-old girl with a mediastinal esophageal duplication cyst.
• This cyst was found concurrently with a partial pericardial defect on the ipsilateral side.
• This represents the twelfth documented instance of a thoracic cyst of foregut origin associated with a pericardial defect.

Findings:

• The co-occurrence of a mediastinal esophageal duplication cyst and a partial pericardial defect was observed.
• This association supports the hypothesis of a common developmental pathway for diverse thoracic anomalies.
• The findings align with the expanded definition of bronchopulmonary foregut malformations.

Implications:

• The pathogenesis of anomalous thoracic masses, including esophageal duplication cysts and bronchopulmonary foregut malformations, may be similar.
• Understanding shared etiologies can refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for congenital thoracic anomalies.
• This case contributes to the literature on the spectrum of foregut-derived malformations and their associated defects.