Upper airway obstructive symptoms because of ectopic gastric mucosa in a newborn: a case report

Paul Daher1, Edward Riachy, Smart Zeidan

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, St Joseph University, Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon. jmpaul@dm.net.lb

Insights

Ectopic gastric mucosa in the pharynx caused upper airway obstruction in an infant, requiring surgical removal. This rare condition highlights a novel cause of neonatal respiratory distress.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Upper airway obstruction is a critical condition in neonates.
  • Pharyngeal masses can compromise infant respiration and swallowing.

Observation:

  • An 8-month-old infant presented with persistent upper airway obstruction post-extubation.
  • Laryngoscopy identified a mucosal fold from the posterior pharyngeal wall obstructing the airway.

Findings:

  • Surgical excision of the pharyngeal mass resolved the obstruction.
  • Histological analysis confirmed the presence of ectopic gastric mucosa.

Implications:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of ectopic gastric mucosa causing neonatal airway obstruction.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this rare condition.

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