Isolated Complete Tubular Duplication of the Oesophagus in a New Born- A Case Report

Duplications of the alimentary tract are rare and ileum is the most commonly affected site, followed by the Oesophagus which accounts for 15% of all digestive tract duplications. The duplicated Oesophagus with mucus, submucous and muscular membranes, is adjacent to the true Oesophagus without a common wall. This condition leads to dysphagia, vomiting, nausea, retrosteranal pain or respiratory distress and stridor. This condition is commonly seen during the newborn period.

Tubular duplication is commonly seen in the mid and lower third of the Oesophagus whereas cystic oesophageal duplication is found in the lower third of the Oesophagus. Usuall 70% -90% of the patients are diagnosed before two years of age as they develop symptoms. However few case of oesophageal duplication has been discovered incidently in adult patients.

In this study, we report a rare case of isolated complete tubular oesophageal duplication in a 2 day old male newborn, who presented with excessive salivation, respiratory distress and intolerance to feeds.