Congenital and Iatrogenic Esophageal Diverticula in Infants and Children: A Case Series of Four Patients
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: In pediatric patients, esophageal diverticulum (ED) is rare and can be severe, especially when involving the cervical esophagus. Diagnosis and treatment typically start after birth, with some cases managed conservatively. This series presents four ED cases from Jose Marti y Perez Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Cuba (2003-2020). Symptoms included difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and breathing problems. Three cases required surgery: a five-month-old post-esophageal-coloplasty (managed conservatively), a four-year-old post-esophageal atresia repair (diverticulum partially used to fix a narrow spot), and a 16-year-old with Zenker's diverticulum (requiring surgical removal). A 35-day-old baby with ED post-type C esophageal atresia surgery died from a pre-existing condition. Surviving patients lived healthy lives. ED in pediatrics can be congenital or iatrogenic post-esophageal repair. Reflux symptoms, respiratory distress, or a cervical mass should prompt suspicion of ED.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68806
Institution: Hamad Medical Corporation
Language: English
Topic: Esophageal and GI Pathology
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402305964
