Cecal duplication cyst in an infant presenting as shock: A case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neonatal Medicine
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency in infants.
• Neonatal enteric duplication cysts (EDC) are rare causes of obstruction, often diagnosed postoperatively.
• Prenatal sonography can detect anomalies suggestive of EDC.

Observation:

• A 32-day-old infant presented with abdominal distension, fever, and oliguria, initially suspected as septic shock and intestinal obstruction.
• Prenatal ultrasound revealed bladder distension.
• The infant's condition worsened, necessitating emergency exploratory laparotomy.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed a cecal duplication cyst.
• The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery.
• Oral feeding was successfully reintroduced on the fifth postoperative day.

Implications:

• Cecal duplication cysts, though exceptional, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal intestinal obstruction and shock.
• Early consideration of EDC can potentially improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation for rare causes of surgical emergencies in neonates.