Cervico-mediastinal Esophageal Duplication Cyst - Case Presentation.

Background: esophageal cysts can be divided into 2 categories: simple epithelial-lined cysts and esophageal duplication, which is an embryologic duplication of a portion of the muscle and submucosa of the esophagus without epithelial duplication.

Methods: 48 year-old male, with no relevant history, was transferred in our department with vomiting, dysphagia, anorexia, and weight loss. The CT scan highlights a tumor mass, well defined, with maximum size of 6.5 cm, developed in the left upper mediastinum and lower left cervical region. We decided to perform surgery in order to remove the mass completely. The approach was through a cervical incision, allowing access to the upper mediastinum, as well as for the anterior cervical region.

Conclusions: Complete surgical excision is recommended for all foregut cyst malformations. Considering the localization of the esophageal cyst in our patient, we decided cervico-sternotomy will be the best approach, giving a wide exposure of the mediastinum and of the lower cervical region if necessary. The lesion was carefully dissected from the surrounding structures and completely removed. Conclusions: All esophageal cysts should be evaluated and, eventually, resected. Most patients with esophageal cysts eventually become symptomatic; therefore, cysts should be resected when they are diagnosed.