Esophageal Duplication

Etiology: Abnormal budding of gastrointestinal tract lined with gastrointestinal epithelium which may communicate with enteric lumen proper
Imaging US: Cystic lesion with echogenic rim sign = enteric signature (gut signature) = hyperechoic inner layer of cyst representing bowel mucosa
— Imaging CT: Low density lesion in close approximation to esophagus
DDX: Bronchogenic cyst
Complications:
Treatment: Elective surgical removal
Clinical:
— 20% of duplication cysts
— Presents incidentally

Radiology Cases of Esophageal Duplication

CXR and CT of esophageal duplication — CXR shows a right sided retrohilar mass and a chest CT with contrast shows the mass to be non-enhancing, posterior to the right bronchi, and next to the esophagus.

CXR and CT of esophageal duplication — CXR shows a subtle double density over the left side of the heart in the paraspinal region. Axial CT with contrast of the chest shows a soft tissue mass in the posterior mediastinum on the left.

CXR of esophageal duplication / esophageal duplication cyst / bronchopulmonary foregut malformation — CXR PA (left) shows a large round opacity located medially in the left hemithorax which is located posteriorly on the lateral (right) over the spine (spine sign).