Foregut duplication cyst

Foregut duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations that arise from the foregut, the embryonic precursor to parts of the digestive and respiratory tracts.

These cysts can be found in various locations, but they are most commonly associated with the esophagus and less frequently with the bronchial tree.

As such, they typically occur in the chest region.

The condition manifests as a fluid-filled cystic structure that may be incidentally discovered during imaging studies or due to symptoms caused by compression of nearby structures.

When symptomatic, patients may experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), respiratory distress due to airway compression, or chest pain.

The exact symptoms depend on the size and specific location of the cyst.

Foregut duplication cysts are usually detected using imaging modalities such as CT or MRI scans, which can visualize their size, location, and effect on surrounding tissues.

These cysts are lined by a mucosal layer similar to that of the gastrointestinal tract and may contain respiratory epithelium if associated with the bronchial tree, indicating their origin from the embryonic foregut.

While some duplication cysts remain asymptomatic and are monitored, others may require surgical intervention, particularly if they cause symptoms or have the potential for complications such as infection or malignancy transformation.

Treatment is generally surgical resection, which is curative and prevents further complications.