Diffuse esophageal submucosal retention cysts: An autopsy happenstance

Esophageal retention cyst: Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) as a potential etiology and management with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Esophageal retention cysts are acquired cysts with no known etiology. They are characterized by dilation of the submucosal glands. Symptomatic cysts are traditionally managed by surgical resection.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of progressive dysphagia and chest pain secondary to esophageal retention cysts in the mid and distal esophagus with associated esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) and jackhammer esophagus on high resolution manometry (HRM). The patient underwent staged endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) with subsequent improvement in her symptoms. However, EGJOO persisted after resection, suggesting it was the primary pathology and not a consequence of the obstruction from the cysts.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Esophageal retention cysts are rarely reported in the literature with most descriptions coming from incidental post-mortems. The presented case suggests EGJOO as a potential etiology of retention cysts. The proposed mechanism is that a significant rise in esophageal intraluminal pressure creates a state of stasis in the esophagus, ideal for the development of these cysts. Symptomatic or malignant retention cysts should be resected. We demonstrate the feasibility of EMR as an alternative to surgical resection.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal retention cyst is a rare entity, which may arise as a result of EGJOO. The natural history and malignant potential of these cysts are unknown, and no formal guidelines have been established for follow-up for patients with asymptomatic retention cysts. Endoscopic mucosal resection can be used to successfully manage these cysts.