Mediastinal foregut duplication cyst presenting as acute respiratory distress in a three-month-old infant: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Foregut duplication cysts are rare mediastinal malformations that can cause life-threatening respiratory compromise in early infancy and are often misdiagnosed on initial imaging.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: A three-month-old boy, born at 37 weeks, developed progressive respiratory distress and cyanosis unresponsive to pneumonia therapy. Chest radiography suggested a hiatal hernia, whereas thoracic ultrasound showed a multiloculated cyst. Contrast-enhanced CT delineated a thick-walled paracardial cyst crossing the diaphragm and a smaller posterior chest-wall cyst. On hospital day 8 a right thoraco-abdominal approach allowed en-bloc removal of the 6 × 4 cm lesion with mucosectomy of the adherent esophageal segment and excision of the posterior cyst. Histology confirmed gastric-type foregut duplication. The infant was extubated on postoperative day 1, reached full feeds by day 7, and was discharged asymptomatic on day 18.

DISCUSSION: This case illustrates the diagnostic pitfalls of mediastinal foregut duplication cysts masquerading as more common entities such as hiatal hernia. Multimodal imaging-particularly ultrasound and CT-was pivotal in defining lesion extent and guiding timely surgery. Complete thoraco-abdominal excision achieved rapid recovery and mitigated risks of infection, hemorrhage, or malignant transformation reported with incomplete resection.

CONCLUSION

Neonates with unexplained respiratory distress and mediastinal masses should prompt consideration of foregut duplication cysts. Early cross-sectional imaging and definitive surgical excision are essential for preventing complications and ensuring excellent long-term outcomes.