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Esophageal stenosis in infants: unusual complication after Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis

Shin-Lin Shih1, Fu-Yuan Huang, Jin-Cherng Sheu

  • 1Department of Radiology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10449, Taiwan. mmh80@ms2.mmh.org.tw

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|March 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Two immunocompetent infants developed esophageal stenosis following Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis. This rare complication affected the upper esophagus, requiring medical attention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis is a serious bacterial infection that can affect infants.
  • Esophageal stenosis, a narrowing of the esophagus, is a rare but significant complication in infants.
  • Immunocompetent infants are generally expected to have robust immune responses to infections.

Observation:

  • Two male infants, aged 4 and 5 months, presented with symptoms suggestive of esophageal issues.
  • Both infants had a history of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.
  • These infants were confirmed to be immunocompetent, indicating no underlying immune deficiency.

Findings:

  • Esophagogram revealed a focal narrowing of the esophagus in both infants.
  • The stenosis was located at the C7-T1 vertebral level, indicating upper esophageal involvement.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis and the development of esophageal stenosis in immunocompetent infants.

Implications:

  • This case series highlights a previously underreported complication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in infants.
  • The findings warrant further investigation into the pathogenesis of esophageal stenosis post-sepsis.
  • Clinicians should consider esophageal stenosis in the differential diagnosis for infants with a history of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis, even if immunocompetent.

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