Esophageal duplication cyst

An esophageal duplication cyst is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a fluid-filled sac located within or near the esophagus.

These cysts are considered a type of foregut duplication cysts, which arise during embryonic development when a duplication of the gastrointestinal tract occurs.

Esophageal duplication cysts may vary in size and can be found anywhere along the esophagus, though they are most commonly located in the lower and middle thirds of the esophagus in the chest region.

Clinically, these cysts can be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, or they may cause symptoms depending on their size and location.

Symptoms, if present, can include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), chest pain, or respiratory issues due to compression of nearby structures such as the trachea or lungs.

In infants and children, they might present with feeding difficulties or respiratory distress.

Diagnosis of an esophageal duplication cyst typically involves imaging studies, with options including MRI or CT scans of the chest, which can delineate the cyst from other structures.

Ultrasound may also be useful, particularly in pediatric cases.

Treatment often involves surgical excision, especially if the cyst is symptomatic, to prevent potential complications like infection or malignancy.

The prognosis after successful removal is generally excellent, with a low risk of recurrence.