Adenocarcinoma arising in an intrathoracic duplication cyst of foregut origin: a case report with review of the literature

A Case of Intrathoracic Gastric Duplication Cyst Detected on Prenatal Ultrasound Examination

A 37-year-old (G4P3) woman was referred to our hospital at 32 weeks of gestation for the evaluation of a fetus with an intrathoracic cystic lesion. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a fetal cystic lesion without a mucosal layer was located in the posterior mediastinum. These findings were consistent with a bronchogenic cyst. At 38 3/7 weeks of gestation, an elective cesarean section was performed because of her previous cesarean section. A female neonate without any external anomalies, weighing 2,442 g, with Apgar scores of 8 and 9, and requiring no resuscitation was born. Four weeks after delivery, the neonate was admitted because of respiratory distress due to mass effect. At right lateral thoracotomy, a 105 × 65 mm of solitary smooth-walled cyst containing serosanguineous fluid was found in the posterior mediastinum, which was excised completely. Histologic examination revealed the diagnosis of the mediastinal gastric duplication cyst. The neonate made an uneventful recovery. Accurate diagnosis is not necessary, but detection and continuous observation are logical. Although gastric duplication, particularly intrathoracic, is a rare pathology, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any intrathoracic cyst.

Adenocarcinoma arising from an enteric cyst of the posterior mediastinum

Mediastinal enteric cysts are rare congenital thoracic cysts. The majority of mediastinal enteric cysts occur in infants, while they are rare in adults. Although most of these cysts are benign, surgical resection is sometimes performed, and malignant changes found in enteric cysts are rare. A 52-year-old man was incidentally discovered to have a posterior mediastinal mass and we excised the mass thoracoscopically. Histopathological findings showed an enteric cyst with adenocarcinoma. Comparing the pathological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, MRI would help to detect malignant changes in such cysts. Although malignant changes found in mediastinal enteric cysts are extremely rare, clinicians should always keep in mind that those cysts have malignant potential and careful evaluation of MRI would be a clue for surgical indication.

Recurrent hemoptysis and a mass in the thorax in an infant: the split notochord syndrome

Split notochord syndrome is a rare group of developmental abnormalities caused by abnormal splitting or deviation of the notochord clinically resulting in the duplicated bowel associated with vertebral anomalies. We report on a case of 11-month-old female infant with mediastinal hyperechogenic cyst and intestinal duplication cyst associated with T5-T6 hemivertebrae, scoliosis, and nonfusion of posterior part of T6 vertebrae, presenting with severe hemoptysis and hematemesis. The cysts were surgically removed, and histopathologic analysis revealed that the mediastinal cyst was lined by gastric mucosa and intestinal one was lined with gastric mucosa including ectopic pancreatic tissue. After removal of the lesion the patient made an uneventful recovery and shows no signs of long-term pulmonary sequelae.

Gastric duplication cyst as a differential for an intra-thoracic cystic mass

We report a case of a neonate who presented with respiratory distress initially managed for a suspected pneumothorax before being transferred to a tertiary centre where he had a thoracotomy. A large cystic structure was excised later histologically confirmed to be a gastric duplication cyst. We discuss its management.

Two isolated giant gastric duplication cysts in thorax in a newborn

We report a case of a newborn with severe respiratory distress since birth with two giant intrathoracic and separate eneteric duplication cysts in right hemithorax. On day 19, the intrathoracic cysts were removed, and the baby was discharged on his 22nd day of life. Histologic findings confirmed the diagnosis of a gastric duplication cyst. This report is the first case of two isolated, separated and giant right intrathoracic gastric duplication cysts in literature. The diagnostic values of radiological evaluation and surgical and pathological management for precise diagnosis are discussed.

Foregut duplication cyst associated with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula: a case report and literature review

A case of esophageal atresia associated with a foregut duplication cyst is reported and the literature reviewed. This is the first documented occurrence in conjunction with Down syndrome and the second case where both anomalies were treated at the initial surgery.

Foregut duplication cyst: an unusual presentation during childhood

Congenital duplications can occur anywhere in the GIT, one third of all duplications are foregut duplications (esophagus, stomach, first and second part of duodenum). Respiratory symptoms are the most common symptoms in foregut duplications, most cases present with respiratory distress which may be present from birth, or symptoms may be insidious with cough, wheeze, or recurrent respiratory infections. We are presenting a 2-year-old boy presenting with cough and fever. Radiological investigation showed left mediastinal mass that was removed by excisional biopsy and revealed an esophageal cyst. Cough with or without fever could be rare presentations for esophageal cyst.

Acute respiratory distress caused by esophageal duplication canceration in an adult

Esophageal duplication (ED) in adults is rare, and ED canceration is very rare. We report a case of acute respiratory embarrassment caused by ED with squamous carcinoma in a 39-year-old man and a review of the literature.

Laparoscopic excision of an esophageal duplication cyst

Esophageal duplication cysts are uncommon embryologic entities that are often discovered incidentally. When identified, complete excision is the recommended treatment regardless of symptoms. We report the case of a 2-year-old boy with a distal esophageal duplication cyst discovered incidentally during laparoscopy for fundoplication. The esophageal duplication cyst was completely resected and a 360-degree fundoplication was then constructed, incorporating the cyst resection site. This is only the second report describing complete laparoscopic excision of an incidentally discovered esophageal duplication cyst in a child. This method is a safe and effective way of managing these lesions.

Adenocarcinoma in ileal duplication cyst: Case report and review of literature

Adenocarcinomas of Ileal Duplication Cysts are an extremely rare occurrence, this is a case report and review of current literature as to the best management of this condition.

Prenatal diagnosis of an intrathoracic gastric duplication: a case report

We report an intrathoracic gastric duplication cyst detected antenatally on obstetrical ultrasonography at 33 weeks of gestation. After birth, the newborn was directly intubated. At day 19, the intrathoracic cyst was removed, and the patient discharged on his 27th day of life. Histologic findings confirmed the diagnosis of a gastric duplication cyst. This appears to be the first reported case of an intrathoracic gastric duplication detected antenatally. Intrathoracic gastric duplication should be among the differential diagnosis of any mediastinal cyst discovered antenatally; its detection allows appropriate management at birth.

Subepithelial mass lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract

The finding of a mass lesion in the upper gastrointestinal tract at endoscopy with apparent normal overlying mucosa is common. The differential diagnosis of such lesions is broad and includes those of intramural or extramural origin. Endoscopic ultrasound provides accurate imaging of subepithelial mass lesions and characterizes them according to size, echogenicity, and origin including the histologic layer if the lesion is intramural which narrows the differential diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound allows a guided tissue sample to be obtained for histologic confirmation which is especially important for hypoechoic lesions arising from the 3rd or 4th echogenic layers. The purpose of this article is to review the diagnosis of the more common subepithelial mass lesions with an emphasis on endoscopic ultrasound and the subsequent management or monitoring.

Adenocarcinoma arising in a mediastinal enteric cyst

A 39 year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of relapsing episodes of pneumonia. His chest roentgenogram showed a consolidated shadow and cavity formation in the left lower lobe. During a left lower lobectomy an enteric cyst in the posterior mediastinum involving lung was found. This cyst in the lung contained normal gastric parietal cells and pancreatic tissue, and was surrounded by adenocarcinoma characteristic of gastric cancer. This is a rare case in which an adenocarcinoma arise from an enteric cyst in the mediastinum.

Thymic carcinoma: update of current diagnostic criteria and histologic types

Thymic carcinomas are rare tumors thought to derive from thymic epithelium. Because of the complex embryological origin of the thymus, whose development includes contributions from the third and, to a lesser extent, the fourth pharyngeal pouches, thymic carcinomas are endowed with great morphologic heterogeneity. A large number of histologic types have been described that resemble tumors arising in other organs. Unfortunately, no definitive pathognomonic histological features or immunohistochemical markers are associated with these tumors, making them a real challenge for diagnosis. Because of their close similarity with tumors arising at other organs, the diagnosis of thymic carcinoma must be regarded, for the most part, as a diagnosis of exclusion. This review will focus on current criteria for diagnosis of these tumors, with a review of the various histopathologic appearances that they can adopt.

Two Cases of Thoracoscopic Resection of Esophageal Duplication in Children

We report two cases of thoracoscopic resection of esophageal duplication cysts. Both patients underwent successful thoracoscopic excision. They were discharged on postoperative day 2 and 4, respectively. They made uneventful recoveries and were completely asymptomatic at 1-month followup. One child was lost to long-term follow-up. In the other child, barium swallow study 10 months after surgery demonstrated a pseudodiverticulum at the site of cyst excision. Thoracoscopic resection of esophageal duplications is safe. Complete excision is possible even if the cyst shares a common muscular wall with the esophagus. Pseudodiverticulum may develop at the site of excision: follow- up is necessary and consideration should be given to closure of the muscular defect at the time of excision. To help avoid esophageal injury and, should it occur, recognize esophageal perforation, we recommend performing the dissection under intraesophageal endoscopic supervision.

Combined thoraco-laparoscopy for trans-diaphragmatic thoraco-abdominal enteric duplications

During the last years, several thoracic and abdominal enteric duplications were resected in our institution by means of minimally invasive approaches [Rev Cir Infantil 1999;9(2):113-115]. Our last patient, however, had a giant thoraco-abdominal duodenal duplication, extending from the upper thoracic cavity to the pelvis, in a dumbbell fashion. Forty days after birth, a combined "thoraco-laparoscopy" was performed, achieving a complete resection of the cyst. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired as well. Recovery was uneventful. Based on this successful experience, we think that the thoraco-laparoscopic approach is suitable and reproducible for patients with these infrequent malformations, and even for patients with other kinds of thoraco-abdominal lesions. The purpose of this report was to describe the minimally invasive strategy used to approach the thorax and the abdomen in a single-stage procedure.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the posterior mediastinum arising from a foregut cyst

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the posterior mediastinum is extremely rare. Described here is a patient with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the posterior mediastinum arising from a foregut cyst. A paravertebral mass detected in the posterior mediastinum of a 64-year-old man was spherical, solid and yellowish white. Some cystic or cleft-like spaces were present. Microscopically, the lesion was composed of proliferating round or polygonal tumor cells in a diffuse, solid or trabecular fashion with extensive necrosis and high mitotic activity. Components of glandular epithelia and smooth muscle layers were evident in the cystic wall. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for both epithelial and neuroendocrine markers, including pan-cytokeratin, chromogranin A and synaptophysin. Neuroendocrine marker-positive cells were also present in the glandular epithelium of the cystic walls. It was considered that posterior mediastinal neuroendocrine carcinoma arose from a foregut cyst. Malignant change within a foregut cyst is very uncommon. This is the first report of a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the posterior mediastinum arising from a foregut cyst.

Antenatally diagnosed duplication cyst of the tongue: modern imaging modalities assist perinatal management

When a foetal abnormality is detected during routine antenatal screening, further information is required in order to plan the remainder of the pregnancy and perinatal management. If a lesion is detected in the foetal mouth or neck, there may be compromise of the foetal airway. The ex-utero intrapartum (EXIT) procedure has recently been developed to allow lifesaving foetal surgery to be performed during delivery of such cases whilst relying on placental support. Detailed antenatal assessment is essential when planning the EXIT procedure, and modern imaging modalities may be implemented. We illustrate this by reporting a rare case of enteric duplication cyst arising from the base of the tongue, which was detected on routine antenatal ultrasound scan. Subsequent imaging using foetal MRI and colour Doppler ultrasound reassured us that the foetal airway was patent, and an EXIT procedure was avoided.

Diagnosis and treatment of foregut duplications

In its broadest sense, the term, foregut duplication encompasses the full spectrum of developmental aberrations of the embryonic foregut (bronchopulmonary and alimentary tract). Evidence is emerging that the notochord may have a pivotal role to play in foregut development through the Shh-GLi signalling pathway. The investigation and management of these lesions depends on the clinical presentation and the level of the foregut affected. The presentation of symptomatic foregut duplications also depends on any space-occupying effect they exert and where specific complications related to the malformation occur, such as when the mucosal lining contains acid-secreting cells. In a minority of cases, (eg, where they cause respiratory compromise or spinal cord compression) urgent intervention is required. In the remainder, precise diagnostic imaging according to the level and location of the foregut duplication provides the necessary information to plan surgical excision of the lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging best shows the relationships of complex bronchopulmonary foregut malformations and associated anomalies of the spine. eg, neurenteric canal. Most lesions can be excised with minimal morbidity. Minimal-access surgical techniques can be applied to the simpler cysts, particularly some bronchogenic cysts. Thoraco-abdominal duplications and neurenteric cysts require careful preoperative delineation and more complex surgery.

Case report: Squamous carcinoma in an oesophageal foregut cyst

Cysts within the oesophageal wall may represent inclusion cysts, retention cysts or developmental cysts. Foregut duplications are developmental anomalies, which occur as a result of abnormal canalization of the foregut during intrauterine life. Malignant transformation is an extremely rare event occurring within oesophageal cysts, adenocarcinoma being the most common histology. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising within an oesophageal cyst affecting the upper third of the oesophagus. The malignant cyst was not amenable to primary surgical resection and hence was treated using chemo-radiotherapy. The treatment gave good disease control, at the expense of a high oesophageal stricture. Chemo-radiotherapy is an alternative treatment modality to achieve long-term disease control in squamous cell carcinoma complicating oesophageal foregut cyst when primary surgical resection is not possible.

Adenocarcinoma of the thymus: report of two cases, including a previously undescribed mucinous subtype

We report two cases of primary thymic adenocarcinoma, a very uncommon neoplasm with limited information in the literature. Both patients were men (age 15 and 39 years). The first case was a mucinous carcinoma, a subtype of adenocarcinoma not previously recognized in the thymus. It comprised islands and strips of mucin-rich tumor cells floating in large pools of extracellular mucin. There was transition of carcinomatous epithelium to the attenuated epithelium of a thymic cyst. Immunostaining for high molecular weight cytokeratin furthermore highlighted in one area negatively stained tumor islands wrapped by positively stained residual thymic medullary epithelium, suggesting in situ origin of the carcinoma from the thymic epithelium. The second case was a papillary carcinoma with high nuclear grade and many psammoma bodies. It showed strong immunoreactivity for CD5 and did not stain for CA-125 as well as thyroid, pulmonary, and mesothelial markers. The findings in this study therefore broaden the morphologic spectrum of thymic adenocarcinomas to include a mucinous subtype. Review of the literature indicates that thymic adenocarcinomas usually arise from thymic cyst or type A thymoma, and the clinical outcome is variable.

Mixed foregut cyst associated with esophageal atresia

The authors report an unusual case of a thoracoabdominal foregut malformation with components of bronchogenic, esophageal duplication, and pancreatic enterogenous cysts, that presented in a child with esophageal atresia. J Pediatr Surg 36:939-940.

Metastatic adenocarcinoma arising in a congenital foregut cyst of the esophagus: a case report with review of the literature

Benign tumors and cysts of the esophagus are rare, and malignant transformation of esophageal cysts is even more rare. In this article, we report on the first case to our knowledge of a patient presenting with metastatic adenocarcinoma arising in a congenital foregut cyst of the esophagus. A 37-year-old woman had multiple cysts along the aerodigestive tract and diffuse soft tissue metastases. Endoscopic biopsies of a mediastinal mass revealed an enteric cyst with a spectrum of columnar epithelium ranging from benign through adenomatous to frankly malignant. There was only transient response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Only three other cases of carcinoma arising from esophageal duplication foregut cysts have been reported, and none of these were metastatic. Given the rarity of malignant transformation within an esophageal cyst, prophylactic excision of known esophageal cysts is not warranted. However, biopsy of the cyst may be useful to exclude the possibility of malignancy, particularly if the onset of symptoms has been recent.

Primary mediastinal tumors: part II. Tumors of the middle and posterior mediastinum

Lymphoma, mediastinal cysts, and neurogenic neoplasms are the most common primary middle and posterior mediastinal tumors. Lymphoma may involve the anterior, middle and/or posterior mediastinum, frequently as lymphadenopathy or as a discrete mass. Foregut cysts are common congenital mediastinal cysts and frequently arise in the middle mediastinum. Pericardial cysts are rare. Schwannoma and neurofibroma are benign peripheral nerve neoplasms, represent the most common mediastinal neurogenic tumors, and rarely degenerate into malignant tumors of nerve sheath origin. Sympathetic ganglia tumors include benign ganglioneuroma and malignant ganglioneuroblastoma and neuroblastoma. Lateral thoracic meningocele is a rare cause of a posterior mediastinal mass.

Adenocarcinoma arising in a foregut cyst of the mediastinum

A case of malignant transformation in a mediastinal cyst of the esophageal reduplication type is presented. The cyst had been recognized 39 years previously, but remained asymptomatic until sudden growth occurred. It was resected totally from the esophagus and the patient recovered well. A review of the literature showed that malignancy in mediastinal foregut cysts is extremely rare.

A case of bronchogenic cyst with high production of antigen CA 19-9

A 35-year-old man was hospitalized with complaints of retrosternal pain and high fever. A chest radiograph showed a large round mass in the mediastinum. Of the several tumor markers in the serum tested, only CA 19-9 was elevated. Thoracotomy revealed a cystic mass with purulent hemorrhagic materials. Histologically the cyst was lined by bronchial epithelium with no evidence of malignancy. The high level of CA 19-9 in the cystic fluid, and positive immunohistochemical staining of the bronchial glands in the cyst wall for CA 19-9 indicated that the elevated serum level of CA 19-9 originated from the bronchogenic cyst after its infection.