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Enteric thoracoabdominal duplications in children
Insights
Thoracoabdominal enteric duplications are rare congenital anomalies. This review details their clinical and pathological findings, emphasizing varied presentations and the importance of complete surgical excision.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Anomalies
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
Background:
- Enteric duplications are rare congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Thoracoabdominal enteric duplications specifically involve duplication cysts within the chest and abdominal cavities.
- Understanding their varied presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- This study details two pediatric cases of thoracoabdominal enteric duplications and reviews 23 additional case reports.
- Most duplications communicated with the gastrointestinal tract below the diaphragm.
- One unique case presented with a duplication communicating with the cervical esophagus.
Findings:
- Infants with these duplications commonly exhibit respiratory symptoms.
- Older children typically present with abdominal pain and melena (blood in stool).
- Surgical management aims for complete excision of the duplication.
Implications:
- Early recognition of diverse clinical presentations is vital for effective treatment.
- Complete surgical removal is the recommended approach for these anomalies.
- Further research into the embryological origins may elucidate prevention strategies.
Abstract:
The clinical and pathological findings of two children with thoracoabdominal enteric duplications are described in detail. In addition, 23 case reports are reviewed. The majority of duplications communicated with the gastrointestinal tract below the diaphragm, but in one case, reported here, the duplication communicated with the cervical esophagus. In infants these duplications most often present with respiratory symptoms, whereas older children more typically have pain and melena. If possible the entire duplication should be removed during one operation.