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Use of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of gastrointestinal tract duplications
Katarzyna Laskowska1, Przemysław Gałązka2, Irena Daniluk-Matraś2
1Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Insights
Gastrointestinal tract duplications are rare congenital anomalies. This study reviewed 14 pediatric cases, highlighting variable clinical presentations and the importance of imaging for diagnosis and identifying associated anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Gastrointestinal tract duplication is a rare congenital malformation involving an extra segment of the fetal gut.
- This condition presents with diverse clinical manifestations, often requiring surgical confirmation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review clinical features and imaging findings of gastrointestinal tract duplications in children.
- To emphasize the diagnostic role of imaging and the identification of coexisting anomalies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 14 pediatric cases diagnosed between 2002 and 2012.
- Inclusion of intraoperatively confirmed gastrointestinal tract duplications.
- Review of clinical data and diagnostic imaging findings.
Main Results:
- Duplication cysts were found in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, terminal ileum, and rectum.
- Four cases presented with concomitant anomalies, including Meckel's diverticulum and accessory pancreas.
- Imaging revealed thin- or thick-walled cystic structures adjacent to the gastrointestinal wall.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound and computed tomography are essential for diagnosing gastrointestinal duplication cysts.
- Early detection of associated developmental pathologies, such as pancreatic heterotopy, is crucial.
- Comprehensive evaluation aids in surgical planning and patient management.
Background:
Gastrointestinal tract duplication is a rare malformation associated with the presence of additional segment of the fetal gut. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review clinical features and imaging findings in intraoperatively confirmed cases of gastrointestinal tract duplication in children.
Material/Methods:
The analysis included own material from the years 2002-2012. The analyzed group included 14 children, among them 8 boys and 6 girls. The youngest patient was diagnosed at the age of three weeks, and the oldest at 12 years of age.
Results:
The duplication cysts were identified in the esophagus (n=2), stomach (n=5), duodenum (n=1), terminal ileum (n=5), and rectum (n=1). In four cases, the duplication coexisted with other anomalies, such as patent urachus, Meckel's diverticulum, mesenteric cyst, and accessory pancreas. Clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal duplication cysts was variable, and some of them were detected accidently. Thin- or thick-walled cystic structures adjacent to the wall of neighboring gastrointestinal segment were documented on diagnostic imaging.
Conclusions:
Ultrasound and computed tomography are the methods of choice in the evaluation of gastrointestinal duplication cysts. Apart from the diagnosis of the duplication cyst, an important issue is the detection of concomitant developmental pathologies, including pancreatic heterotopy.
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