Thoraco-abdominal duplications in children: Two case reports

Area of Science:

• Congenital Malformations
• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Thoraco-abdominal duplication is a rare congenital anomaly, comprising only 2% of alimentary tract duplications.
• These malformations present diagnostic challenges due to uncommon symptomatology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two rare cases of thoraco-abdominal duplication.
• To highlight the importance of radiological assessment in diagnosis.
• To discuss the role of diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 12-year-old girl and an 8-month-old boy with thoraco-abdominal duplication.
• Diagnostic imaging utilized for assessment.
• Surgical intervention: laparoscopy for one patient, thoracotomy for the other.

Main Results:

• Imaging suggested pancreatic duplication with intrathoracic extension and gastro-esophageal duplication.
• Both patients underwent successful surgical excision with uncomplicated postoperative recovery.
• Anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Diagnosis of thoraco-abdominal duplications is challenging, relying on imaging and surgical confirmation.
• Minimally invasive approaches, particularly laparoscopy, offer diagnostic and therapeutic benefits.
• Early and accurate diagnosis followed by surgical intervention is key for favorable outcomes.