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Esophageal cyst--a case report

Kulwant Singh1, Ramdas Naik

  • 1Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. kulwant28@yahoo.com

Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|September 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mediastinal cysts are rare congenital anomalies. This case highlights a rare esophageal foregut cyst in an infant, emphasizing its unique microscopic features and classification.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Mediastinal cysts are uncommon congenital malformations.
  • They are broadly classified into several types, including thymic, bronchogenic, enteric, pericardial, and lymphatic cysts.

Observation:

  • A case of a foregut cyst, specifically of the esophageal type, was identified in a 22-day-old male infant.
  • Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed a cystic lesion within the mediastinum.

Findings:

  • The excised cyst was bilocular and contained clear fluid.
  • Microscopic examination showed the cyst was lined by columnar epithelium with a well-formed lamina propria and a double-layered muscularis.
  • Absence of gastric glands, intestinal epithelium, or cartilage supported the classification as an esophageal cyst.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of accurate classification of mediastinal cysts based on histological findings.
  • Reporting rare cases like this esophageal cyst contributes to a better understanding of congenital foregut anomalies in infants.
  • Such detailed case reports aid in refining diagnostic criteria and surgical approaches for pediatric mediastinal masses.

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