Esophageal Heterotopic Pancreas in an Asymptomatic 2-Year-Old With VACTERL Association

Abstract

A 2-year-old male with VACTERL association and asthma presented to the emergency room due to asthma exacerbation. Chest radiography revealed lingular pneumonia and thickening of the left paraspinal line of the gastroesophageal junction. Chest computed tomography confirmed a heterogeneous fluid- and gas-filled structure at the left posterior lateral aspect of the esophagus, which was suspected to be an esophageal diverticulum on an upper gastrointestinal series. The esophageal diverticulum was excised via left thoracoscopy, and pathological examination revealed pancreatic tissue. Heterotopic pancreas lacks anatomical, vascular, or ductal continuity with the native pancreas. It is usually asymptomatic, but when discovered, it usually occurs later in life. It has been described in the foregut, but is not as common in the esophagus, especially in the pediatric population. This case report highlights the rare occurrence, and importance of considering, esophageal heterotopic pancreas within an esophageal diverticulum in an asymptomatic patient with VACTERL association.