Diagnosis and treatment of a congenital cervical tracheal diverticulum in an Arabian foal.
Authors: Fernandes T, Robin M G, Oikawa M A, Alexander G R, Pompermayer E, Uberti B
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Congenital tracheal diverticula are rare but clinically significant developmental defects characterised by air-filled cystic outpouchings from the tracheal wall, typically presenting as cervical swelling in young foals. A twelve-day-old Arabian colt with unilateral right-sided neck enlargement underwent diagnostic imaging combining ultrasound, endoscopy and contrast-enhanced CT, which revealed a narrow-stemmed diverticulum originating between the first and second tracheal rings and coursing caudally into a larger cystic mass. Complete surgical excision was performed, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a tracheal diverticulum lined with normal pseudostratified columnar epithelium but complicated by secondary bacterial infection and milk-like debris accumulation. Full clinical resolution occurred within 40 days post-operatively with minimal post-surgical scarring, demonstrating that early recognition and complete surgical removal offer an excellent prognosis for affected foals. The case emphasises the diagnostic value of multimodal imaging—particularly CT for precise anatomical definition—in planning definitive treatment of this uncommon congenital condition, and highlights the importance of investigating neonatal cervical masses promptly to prevent airway compromise and secondary infection.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Unilateral cervical swelling present from birth warrants diagnostic imaging to rule out congenital tracheal lesions; ultrasound and endoscopy can identify these defects effectively.
- •Contrast CT provides essential surgical planning information by delineating the exact anatomical origin and course of the diverticulum relative to tracheal rings.
- •Complete surgical excision offers excellent prognosis in foals with congenital tracheal diverticula, supporting early intervention when diagnosis is confirmed.
Key Findings
- •A 12-day-old Arabian colt presented with congenital cervical tracheal diverticulum diagnosed via ultrasound, endoscopy, and contrast-enhanced CT imaging.
- •Histopathology confirmed a pseudostratified columnar epithelial-lined diverticulum with milk-like content and secondary intramural bacterial infection.
- •Complete surgical excision resulted in favorable recovery with minimal scarring 40 days post-discharge.