Congenital esophageal stenosis is a narrowing of a region of the esophagus. A web, or diaphragm, consists of a thin squamous epithelial membrane in the esophageal lumen. It typically causes a partial obstruction in the middle to lower esophagus. Congenital muscular hypertrophy is characterized by submucosal proliferation of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue beneath a normal squamous epithelium. Individuals with congenital muscular hypertrophy may be asymptomatic.
The congenital form of this condition is associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Whether this lesion, also called Barrett esophagus, is congenital or acquired is unclear.
Esophageal duplications, rests, and cysts
Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula
Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft
Esophageal stenosis, web, and muscular hypertrophy
An esophageal duplication may be open at both ends (double esophagus), open at one end (diverticulum), or closed (elongated cyst). Rests are areas where embryonic tracheal or esophageal cells reside in mesodermal tissues. These areas may form cysts in the muscular tissues. A choristoma is a distinct cartilaginous cyst that partially or completely encircles a region typically in the lower third of the esophagus.
EA is a condition in which the proximal and distal portions of the esophagus do not communicate. The upper segment of the esophagus is a dilated blind-ending pouch with a hypertrophied muscular wall. The pouch typically extends to the level of the second to fourth thoracic vertebra. In contrast, the distal esophageal portion is an atretic pouch with a small diameter and a thin muscular wall; it usually extends 1-2 cm above the diaphragm.
Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft (LTEC) is defined as a midline communication among the larynx, trachea, and esophagus.
Columnar epithelium–lined lower esophagus
