Infection of an esophageal cyst following endoscopic fine-needle aspiration

In this report, we describe an unusual presentation of an esophageal cyst. Esophageal cysts are generally benign and are frequently asymptomatic until progressive enlargement leads to symptoms of obstruction. Incidental discovery usually warrants excision. In the described case, a patient presented with signs of enlargement and concerns for infection after an attempted endoscopic biopsy of the lesion. After admission and initial management with antibiotics she was taken to the operating room for resection via a thoracotomy. We review the literature and underscore the conventional practice of operative management of esophageal cysts without the use of invasive diagnostic evaluations.