Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Esophageal duplication cyst causing unilateral hyperinflation of the lung in a neonate
K S Madhusudhan1, A Seith, M Srinivas
1Department of Radiodiagnosis and Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Esophageal duplication cysts, rare congenital anomalies, can cause infant respiratory distress. This case highlights a rare instance where a cyst led to obstructive hyperinflation of the right lung in a neonate.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Anomalies
- Thoracic Imaging
Background:
- Esophageal duplication cysts are uncommon congenital malformations.
- While often asymptomatic, they can manifest with significant symptoms in neonates, including respiratory distress and feeding issues.
Observation:
- A 4-day-old male infant presented with acute respiratory distress.
- Clinical examination and imaging revealed unilateral hyperinflation of the right lung.
Findings:
- The hyperinflation was caused by an esophageal duplication cyst compressing the right main bronchus.
- Surgical intervention confirmed the diagnosis and resolved the obstruction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering esophageal duplication cysts in the differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress with unilateral lung hyperinflation.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in affected infants.
Abstract:
Esophageal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies. Frequently asymptomatic, they may cause respiratory distress and feeding difficulties in infants. Unilateral hyperinflation of the lung due to compression of the bronchus by the cyst is rare. We report a case of a 4-day-old male neonate presenting with respiratory distress who had an esophageal duplication cyst causing obstructive hyperinflation of the right lung. The nature of the cyst was confirmed after surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Hiatal Hernia
Pyloric Obstruction
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Achalasia

