Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Multi-modal Pulmonary Imaging: Using Complementary Information from CT and Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to Evaluate Lung Structure-Function
Published on: April 12, 2024
Oesophageal duplication cyst resembling congenital lobar emphysema
Suman Bisht1, Sanjay Bafna2, Tanvi Bafna3
1Pediatric Pulmonology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Insights
A rare esophageal duplication cyst caused severe breathing problems in an infant by compressing her left main bronchus. Surgical removal of the cyst successfully improved her lung function and breathing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Esophageal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies.
- They can present with diverse symptoms depending on location and size.
- Respiratory compromise in infants can be a serious manifestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of an infant with respiratory distress caused by an esophageal duplication cyst.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and successful management of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a female infant with respiratory symptoms.
- Diagnostic workup including chest X-ray, CT scan, and bronchoscopy.
- Surgical excision of the cyst via thoracotomy.
Main Results:
- Imaging revealed a subcarinal hypodense lesion compressing the left main bronchus.
- Bronchoscopy confirmed extrinsic compression of the left main bronchus.
- Histopathology confirmed an esophageal duplication cyst.
- Postoperative improvement in left lung aeration and respiratory status.
Conclusions:
- Esophageal duplication cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress.
- Multimodality imaging and bronchoscopy are crucial for diagnosis.
- Surgical excision is an effective treatment for symptomatic esophageal duplication cysts.
Abstract:
A female infant presented with a month-long history of dry cough, along with two episodes of fever and increased work of breathing, requiring hospital admission and oxygen therapy. On examination, she had severe acute malnutrition, mild tachypnoea, chest retractions and reduced air entry in the left lower lung zone with occasional wheezing, though oxygen saturation was normal on room air. Chest X-ray showed left lung hyperinflation with mediastinal shift to the right. A plain CT chest done outside showed left lung hyperlucency, and bronchoscopy revealed near-complete blockage of the left main bronchus. Contrast chest CT identified a hypodense lesion in the subcarinal area, compressing the oesophagus and left main bronchus and abutting the aorta. She underwent right posterolateral thoracotomy with cyst excision and chest drain placement. Histopathology confirmed an oesophageal duplication cyst. On follow-up, left lung aeration significantly improved.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Lungs
01:21Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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...
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD: