ABSTRACT
Esophageal duplications and bronchogenic cysts are part of
the spectrum of foregut malformations as both seem to have
their origin in the primitive foregut.1 Foregut duplication
cysts in children account for up to one-third of mediastinal
cysts and are one of the main differential diagnoses for
posterior mediastinal tumors. In the literature, approximately
21% of gastrointestinal duplications are reported to be of
esophageal origin.2,3
Esophageal duplication cysts are seen in close proximity to
the esophagus. There may be associated duplications else-
where in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the esophageal
duplications can be thoraco-abdominal in nature.4,5 In
contrast, bronchogenic cysts are more frequent and are
closely associated with the tracheobronchial tree or within
the lung parenchyma. Unlike bronchogenic cysts esophageal
duplication cysts are commonly associated with vertebral
anomalies. In the presence of a vertebral anomaly, rarely an
intraspinal communication can be identified. This variant is
called a neuroenteric cyst.6
