Intraluminal duodenal diverticulum in a child: incidental onset possibly associated with the ingestion of a foreign body

Abstract

Funnel-type intraluminal duodenal diverticulum (windsock web) is a rare congenital malformation. A 4-year-old boy with vomiting and abdominal pain for several weeks was referred to the hospital. A plain abdominal X-ray on admission disclosed a double bubble sign. Abdominal echography and CT disclosed a foreign body lodged in the alimentary tract. After the foreign body was removed with a fibrescope, endoscopy showed a stenotic descending portion where the foreign body was located. An upper gastro-intestinal contrast study demonstrated a post-bulbar duodenal stenosis with a barium-filled pear-shaped sac in the descending portion of the duodenum. Surgical exploration was done under the diagnosis of windsock web of the duodenum. A simple excision of the web at its base was carried out. A hole 7 mm in diameter was found at the edge of the web. The microscopic appearance of the resected specimen was characterized by the duodenal mucosa with an extensive chronic inflammation lining both sides of the diverticulum and the lack of muscular layer of mucosa.

Conclusion: If an ingested material is not excreted in the stool, possible clogging in the intestinal tract should always be considered and a further intensive examination is warranted.