Jejunal duplication cyst in a female neonate: a case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Duplications are the abnormal portion of the intestine, either externally attached to the intestine or intrinsically placed within the bowel lumen. Their prevalence is noted to be around one in 25 000 deliveries. The rare gastrointestinal tract duplication may be located in any part of the gastrointestinal system from the oral cavity to the anus. The most common site of enteric duplication cyst (DC) is the terminal part of the ileum. Hence, duplications in jejunum are rare.

Case presentation: Hereby, the authors report a case of jejunal DC in a female neonate which was managed successfully via surgery and adequate post-operative care without any complications.

Clinical discussion: Duplications are more frequently single. They are usually located in the mesenteric border of the associated native bowel and may vary in shape and size. Most of them are cystic, followed by tubular and mixed type, with or without other congenital anomalies. More than 80% of the cases present before the age of 2 years as an acute abdomen or bowel obstruction, but many duplications remain silent unless complications occur, and therefore may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Complications of enteric DC include volvulus, bleeding, and, rarely, malignant degeneration.

Conclusion: It is important for paediatric surgeons to include DC in the differential diagnosis if a neonate presents with features of intestinal obstruction.

Keywords: cystic; duplication; gastrointestinal tract; proximal jejunum; surgery.

Figure 1

Dilated bowel loops in intrauterine ultrasound measuring up to 13.9 mm seen in the bilateral lower abdominal cavity.

Figure 2

Jejunal duplication cyst discovered as an incidental finding during surgery.

Figure 3

Resected portion of jejunal duplication cyst.