Communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformations (CBPFM) are extremely rare. We present a complex case of type IB CBPFM with esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TOF), duodenal atresia/annular pancreas (DA/AP), and intestinal malrotation who underwent primary repair for EA/TOF on day 3. Bilious aspirates on day 8 prompted an upper gastrointestinal (GI) contrast revealing a duodenal obstruction and communication between the right lung lower lobe and the esophagus (T8-T9 level). DA/AP and malrotation were repaired by a gastrojejunostomy and Ladd's procedure. A repeat contrast swallow identified a 2nd communication from the esophagus into the right lower lobe (T5-T6 level) raising the suspicion of a recurrent TOF. Computed tomography (CT) thorax confirmed above findings with an anomalous blood supply to right lung. An exploratory thoracotomy identified a three-lobed lung. However, the lower lobe was enlarged and connected in two separate locations to the esophagus. The child recovered after the disconnection of the esophageal connections and partial right lower lobectomy. CBPFM are extremely rare anomalies requiring a high index of suspicion, use of an upper GI contrast series, and CT scans for diagnosis. The treatment of choice is resection of the affected lung and disconnection of the esophageal communications.
Fetal lung interstitial tumor (FLIT) is a rare primary lung mass in neonates. Classical incisions, such as posterolateral thoracotomy or median sternotomy, do not provide optimal exposure of the operative field for the resection of pediatric thoracic giant tumors. Herein, we report a rare case of a FLIT in a full-term male neonate, with complete resection achieved using a hemi-clamshell approach, which provided the required visualization of the operative field. The neonate was transferred to our hospital because of mild respiratory distress, which developed 18-hour after normal vaginal delivery. A mass in his right chest, without a midline shift, was observed on chest radiographs. Computed tomography showed a well-circumscribed solid anterior cervicothoracic mass, with a uniform density and no apparent cysts, diagnosed as a primary thoracic giant tumor. Once the patient was clinically stabilized, we proceeded with right upper lobectomy, using a hemi-clamshell approach, full sternotomy, and anterolateral thoracotomy, on postnatal day 22. Histopathologic examination revealed an 8.5 × 6.5 × 4.0 cm solid mass within the right upper lobe, which was diagnosed as a FLIT. His postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient was followed up for 1 year, with no complaints or symptoms and no postoperative shoulder dysfunction. Gross total resection of primary thoracic giant tumors can be accomplished in neonates with optimal exposure of the chest cavity using a hemi-clamshell approach.
Small bowel volvulus is a rare but important cause of abdominal pain and small bowel obstruction in children and adults. In the neonate, small bowel volvulus is a well-known complication of malrotation. Segmental small bowel volvulus is a lesser-known condition, which occurs in children and adults alike and can rapidly progress to bowel ischemia. Primary segmental small bowel volvulus occurs in the absence of rotational anomalies or other intraabdominal lesions and is rare in Europe and North America. Clinical presentation can be misleading, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment, in which case the resection of necrotic bowel may become necessary. We report on a 14-year-old girl who presented with severe colicky abdominal pain but showed no other signs of peritoneal irritation or bowel obstruction. An emergency magnetic resonance imaging was highly suspicious for small bowel volvulus. Emergency laparotomy revealed a 115 cm segment of strangulated distal ileum with no underlying pathology. We performed a detorsion of the affected bowel segment. Despite the initial markedly ischemic appearance of the affected bowel segment, the patient achieved full recovery without resection of bowel becoming necessary.
Currarino syndrome (CS) is a rare condition that presents with any combination of a sacral defect, a presacral mass, and an anorectal malformation. This collection, referred to as Currarino's triad, may not necessarily present as all three abnormalities in the diagnosis of the syndrome. Anal canal duplication (ACD) is an even rarer occurrence. We present a case that lies on the CS spectrum with an associated ACD and discuss a complex surgical challenge that necessitated a customized management plan, devised through a multidisciplinary approach.