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Neonatal pharyngeal pseudodiverticulum mimicking esophageal atresia
D L Cason1, E M Burton, B S Carter
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
Insights
Hypopharyngeal pseudodiverticulum, a rare complication of medical tube insertion, can mimic esophageal atresia in neonates. Conservative therapy proved effective in two reported cases, highlighting a manageable approach to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pseudodiverticulum of the hypopharynx is a rare but serious complication associated with orogastric/nasogastric tube insertion and endotracheal intubation in neonates.
- This condition can be misdiagnosed as esophageal atresia, a congenital condition where the esophagus does not properly form.
Observation:
- Two cases of neonatal hypopharyngeal injury leading to pseudodiverticulum are presented.
- The initial diagnosis in both cases was esophageal atresia, indicating a potential diagnostic challenge.
Findings:
- Both presented cases of hypopharyngeal pseudodiverticulum were successfully managed with conservative therapy.
- Literature review on neonatal pharyngeal pseudodiverticulum supports conservative management in similar cases.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering hypopharyngeal pseudodiverticulum in the differential diagnosis of neonatal esophageal obstruction.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of conservative management for neonatal hypopharyngeal pseudodiverticulum, potentially avoiding surgical intervention.
- Contributes to the understanding and clinical recognition of this infrequent but significant iatrogenic complication in neonates.
Abstract:
Pseudodiverticulum of the hypopharynx is an infrequent but potentially serious complication of orogastric or nasogastric tube insertion and endotracheal intubation. We report two cases of injury to the hypopharynx resulting in a pseudodiverticulum of the hypopharynx that was initially diagnosed as esophageal atresia. Both cases were managed successfully by conservative therapy. We also review the literature regarding neonatal pharyngeal pseudodiverticulum.