ABSTRACT
Duplications of the alimentary tract have also been termed giant diverticula, enterogenous cysts, ileum duplex, and inclusion cysts. Alimentary tract duplications are congenital malformations that may be found anywhere from mouth to anus. The most common duplication is cystic and located on the mesenteric aspect of the small/large intestine. Multiple duplications are seen in about 10% of patients. The pathogenesis for the development of duplications is unknown, but cystic duplications are thought to develop secondary to a split notochord mechanism and tubular duplications secondary to partial twinning. Cystic duplications may be associated with spinal cord and vertebral anomalies, and tubular duplications may be associated with urinary tract, spine, and central nervous system anomalies. Patients may present with a mass or with symptoms related to the location and size of the cyst. Associated anomalies are rare, but can be predicted based on the location of the duplication. Esophageal duplication cysts and foregut duplication cysts are usually intramural, non-communicating, cystic lesions.
