Enteric thoracoabdominal duplications in children.

The clinical and pathological findings of two children with thoracoabdominal enteric duplications are described in detail. In addition, 23 case reports are reviewed. The majority of duplications communicated with the gastrointestinal tract below the diaphragm, but in one case, reported here, the duplication communicated with the cervical esophagus. In infants these duplications most often present with respiratory symptoms, whereas older children more typically have pain and melena. If possible the entire duplication should be removed during one operation.