Foregut duplication cyst: a report of a case

Abstract

During the early embryonal stage of foregut development, malformations may be encountered. Foregut duplications are considered to be due to abnormal cannulization of the gastrointestinal tract and may be communicating or non-communicating cystic or tubular. They are lined by mucosal membrane. The case herein records the first instance of a foregut duplication cyst that contained both gastric and bronchial mucosa. The patient was a 35-year-old female complaining of epigastric pain and nausea for the past several months. Physical examination revealed no abnormal findings, but an upper gastrointestinal X-ray series demonstrated an irregularity of the greater curvature of the stomach. On CT scan, a left upper quadrant mass was noted. At laparotomy, a soft, retroperitoneal mass was seen between the stomach and the left adrenal gland, measuring 5.5 x 2.5 x 2 cm. It was excised and sent for histopathology. Pathology showed the mass to be of a cystic nature, containing both gastric and bronchial mucosa. After surgery the patient made an uneventful recovery.