Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation
10:15

Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation

Published on: March 22, 2017

Ulcerated mucocele of the esophagus in a child

Leopoldo Martínez1, Juan A Tovar

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|April 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A mucocele, a rare complication of esophageal atresia surgery, can become infected. This case highlights the symptoms, management, and pathology of this unusual condition in a pediatric patient.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Esophageal atresia repair is a common pediatric surgery.
  • Mucoceles are uncommon complications following such procedures.
  • Excluded esophagus segments can develop mucoceles.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old boy presented with symptoms of an infected mucocele.
  • The mucocele arose from a previously excluded esophageal segment.
  • Clinical presentation included signs of infection.

Findings:

  • Pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mucocele.
  • The mucocele contained mucinous material and showed signs of infection.
  • Histological analysis revealed specific features of the lesion.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and management are crucial for infected esophageal mucoceles.
  • This case underscores the importance of monitoring excluded esophageal segments.
  • Understanding the pathology aids in appropriate treatment strategies for rare esophageal complications.

More Related Videos

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia11:19

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Robotic Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma04:19

Robotic Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma

Published on: February 20, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Peptic Ulcer01:27

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are erosive lesions of the gastric or duodenal lining, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This Gram-negative, helical bacterium has adapted to survive the stomach’s acidic environment by producing urease, which converts urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia neutralizes gastric acid in the bacterium’s immediate environment, allowing colonization of the gastric mucosa. H. pylori attaches to mucus-secreting epithelial cells, penetrates the mucus...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...