Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis of an Enteric Duplication Cyst of the Esophagus: A Case Report

Abstract

Aims: Show the importance of imaging in the diagnosis of enteric cysts of the esophagus and the main differences with other mediastinal cystic lesions. Presentation of case: We report a case of an enteric cyst of the esophagus, in a 25 year old patient, with dyspnea on exertion. X-ray shows an oval opacity in the posterior mediastinum and the CT scan and MRI show a cystic mass of the posterior mediastinum, presenting intimate contact with the esophagus, with discreet wall contrast enhancement. Discussion and Conclusion: Enteric duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations formed during the embryonic development of the digestive tract. They are usually detected prenatally or in the first years of life. Their size, location, type and presence of complications produce a varied clinical presentation and different imaging findings. They most frequently occur in the small intestine, particularly the ileum, but can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. In the case of an enteric cyst of the esophagus, the first imaging method for diagnosis is the chest x-ray because of the breathing difficulty patients can experience due to compression of the airway. Magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) can help the radiologist in the diagnosis and the surgeon by evaluating more precisely the mass measurements and describing its anatomical relationship with the vessels and surrounding organs. Confirmation remains histological.