Cystic duplication of lower esophagus in children case report

Boumediene Abou-Bekr1, Dalila Boumeslout1, Nassima Azzouz1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mother and Child Specialty Center at the University AbouBekr Belkaid Faculte of Medecine Tlemcen, Algeria.

Insights

Esophageal duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations that can cause respiratory and digestive symptoms. Surgical intervention is crucial for treatment before complications arise.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Congenital Malformations

Background:

  • Esophageal duplication is a rare congenital malformation of the digestive tract.
  • It can be asymptomatic or present with respiratory distress due to compression.
  • These duplications account for 15-20% of all digestive duplications.

Observation:

  • A case of a 12-year-old male presenting with chest pain and dysphagia for 4 months is reported.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed a fluid collection in the right lower esophageal mediastinum.
  • The condition was diagnosed as an esophageal duplication cyst.

Findings:

  • Esophageal duplication cysts are uncommon and can be challenging to diagnose.
  • Symptoms may include both respiratory and digestive issues, complicating diagnosis.
  • Imaging modalities like CT scans, esophageal transit studies, and endoscopy aid in defining the extent of the malformation.

Implications:

  • Surgical treatment is indicated for all esophageal duplication cysts to prevent serious complications.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical management are essential for favorable outcomes in pediatric patients.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare congenital anomalies in the differential diagnosis of chest pain and dysphagia.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
57
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
78
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
127
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
70
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
53
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
76