Bronchogenic and esophageal cyst with laryngeal malformations in a thoroughbred foal.
Authors: Matsuda K, Qiu Y, Furuse T, Kawamura Y, Yokoyama D, Kato A, Taniyama H
Journal: Veterinary pathology
Summary
# Editorial Summary A Thoroughbred foal presented with stridor and dysphagia caused by a rare bilocular foregut cyst positioned at the laryngotracheal junction, containing tissue of both bronchogenic and esophageal origin—a pathological combination previously undocumented in either human or veterinary medicine. Histological examination revealed that the cyst developed alongside concurrent malformations of the laryngeal musculature and cartilage, representing a complex congenital defect arising from embryological misdevelopment during foregut differentiation. Whilst foregut cysts occur occasionally in foals, this case is notable for its dual epithelial lining and the simultaneous structural abnormalities of the larynx, which compounded the clinical signs of airway obstruction and swallowing dysfunction. Practitioners encountering foals with unexplained stridor and dysphagia should consider foregut cysts in their differential diagnosis, particularly when imaging or endoscopy reveals mass effects near the laryngotracheal junction; advanced imaging and histopathology may be necessary to characterise the lesion fully. Recognition of these congenital anomalies contributes to our understanding of rare developmental disorders and reinforces the value of detailed pathological investigation when clinical presentation suggests foregut involvement alongside laryngeal dysfunction.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Stridor and dysphagia in foals warrant thorough imaging and endoscopic investigation, as congenital cysts and laryngeal malformations may coexist and require surgical intervention
- •Pathological examination is essential in cases of congenital laryngeal disease to identify the tissue origin and extent of malformation, guiding surgical planning
- •This rare case highlights the importance of recognizing unusual combinations of foregut-derived anomalies in neonatal foals presenting with upper airway and swallowing dysfunction
Key Findings
- •A bilocular cyst with dual bronchogenic and esophageal epithelial lining was identified at the laryngeal-tracheal junction in a Thoroughbred foal
- •The cyst was associated with congenital malformations of laryngeal muscles and cartilage, presenting clinically as dysphagia and stridor
- •This combination of foregut cyst with laryngeal muscle and cartilage anomalies represents a novel congenital malformation not previously documented in equine or human literature