Esophageal Cyst

Excerpt

Esophageal cysts are rare congenital malformations first described by Blasius in 1711. In 1881, Roth also described these cysts, which divide into two categories: simple epithelial-lined cysts or foregut cysts, which include duplication cysts. Esophageal duplication cysts have a double layer of surrounding smooth muscle, which are lined by squamous or enteric epithelium, and are either attached to the esophagus or located within the wall. They are usually diagnosed in childhood but can also present in adults. Patients can be asymptomatic or present with symptoms of respiratory distress, dysphagia, and/or chest pain. Esophageal cysts are usually incidental findings on endoscopy or imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or barium esophagogram. The most common treatment is thoracotomy with cyst excision, but less invasive techniques, including endoscopic, laparoscopic, or thoracoscopic approaches, are gaining popularity.