Meta-analysis: the clinical features of the duodenal duplication cyst

Abstract

Background: Duplication cyst of the duodenum is rare. This study describes a case of duodenal duplication and evaluates its clinical features through a literature review.

Methods: A case of duodenal duplication is reported, and related articles published from 1999 to 2009 on PubMed were reviewed. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic examinations, and methods of management were analyzed.

Results: Including this report, there had been 38 citations in literature that provide adequate descriptions of 47 cases of duodenal duplication cysts. Nineteen (40.4%) were discovered before 10 years of age, whereas 10 (21.3%) were found in the second decade. The remaining 18 patients (38.3%) were older than 20 years. The case number decreased as age increased. Overall, 80% of cases presented with abdominal pain, and 53% were complicated with pancreatitis.

Conclusions: The most common symptom in duodenal duplication cysts is abdominal pain with or without nausea or vomiting. The most common complication is pancreatitis. Differential diagnoses of pancreatitis, hepatitis, cholestasis, or intussusception should include duplication cyst of the duodenum.