Intramural esophageal hamartoma. An unusual cause of progressive stricture in a child.

The unusual occurrence of an intramural hamartoma mimicking a peptic esophageal stricture in a child is presented. Early operative intervention is indicated to diagnose the condition and to avoid certain morbidity or death. The remarkable embryologic feature of this report is the presence of annular cartilage at the site of the esophageal stricture. Conservative resection of the involved esophagus and primary anastomosis is the treatment of choice.