An unusual presentation of intestinal duplication with a literature review

A 52-year-old male presented with urinary symptoms of frequency and hesitation. X-ray, ultrasound, and computerized tomography investigations were performed that indicated the diagnosis and position of an enteric duplication cyst. Elective surgery was performed to completely remove the duplication cyst. Histological examination showed that the cyst was lined by stratified squamous, ciliated, and gastric-type epithelium, with a muscularis mucosae and a muscularis propria. No malignancy or dysplasia was seen. Duplications of the alimentary tract are uncommon congenital abnormalities. They may be multiple and arise at any level from the mouth to anus. Usually observed early in life, a minority may remain unsuspected until adulthood. The clinical presentations may be vague and diverse depending on their location. These include pain, distension, dysphagia, dyspepsia, and complications involve bleeding, perforation, malignancy, and obstruction of the alimentary tract and vessels. Plain x-rays are of limited use in the diagnosis of duplications but ultrasound findings may be diagnostic, with computerized tomography useful in delineating surrounding structures. Once the diagnosis is established, surgical correction is the treatment of choice, preferably with complete removal.