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[Dysphagia after introduction of solid food: typical presentation of congenital oesophageal stenosis]
Esther Kockelkoren1, Christien Sleeboom, J Patrick van der Voorn
1VU medisch centrum, Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Congenital esophageal stenosis, a rare infant condition, presents with feeding difficulties. Early diagnosis and surgical removal of the affected esophageal segment lead to complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Congenital esophageal stenosis is a rare condition causing feeding issues in infants.
- Symptoms typically manifest as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) when solid foods are introduced.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old infant girl exhibited spitting, coughing, and slowed growth post-solid food introduction.
- Diagnostic evaluations included upper gastrointestinal radiography, esophagogastroscopy, and histopathological examination.
Findings:
- The infant was diagnosed with congenital esophageal stenosis caused by tracheobronchial remnants.
- Surgical resection of the stenotic esophageal segment was successfully performed.
Implications:
- Prompt recognition of congenital esophageal stenosis symptoms can avert prolonged investigations and treatment delays.
- Surgical intervention for esophageal stenosis typically ensures a full recovery for affected infants.
Background:
Congenital oesophageal stenosis is a rare cause of food passage symptoms in infants. It has a typical presentation with symptoms of dysphagia of solid food, starting at the time of introducing supplementary feeding.
Case Description:
We present a 6-month-old girl, who started spitting and coughing and had a slower growth rate after the introduction of solid food. Using upper gastrointestinal tract radiography, oesophagogastroscopy and histopathological examination, a congenital oesophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants was demonstrated. The stenosis was surgically removed. This case description is typical for congenital oesophageal stenosis.
Conclusion:
Early recognition of the typical presentation of congenital oesophageal stenosis can prevent unnecessary investigation and delay in treatment. Surgical resection of the stenotic oesophageal segment usually results in full recovery.
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