Cervical inflammatory mass: a very late complication following neonatal oesophagocoloplasty for oesophageal atresia

Abstract

We report the case of a man in his 40s who presented to our emergency department with a history of fever and a red, swollen and painful neck mass. Shortly following his birth, a congenital oesophageal atresia had been managed surgically with colonic interposition graft. Contrast CT of the neck revealed filling and distention of a colic stump with content of stasis and infection. The patient received intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam and parenteral nutrition. One week later, an upper digestive endoscopy was performed revealing an inflammatory-looking pseudopolypoid area immediately below the anastomosis, at the level of the proximal portion of the colon, which seemed to correspond to a complicated diverticulum with inflammation. The difficulties in reaching a definitive diagnosis and management of this condition are discussed.