Congenital and Iatrogenic Esophageal Diverticula in Infants and Children: A Case Series of Four Patients

In pediatric patients, esophageal diverticulum (ED) is rare and can be severe, especially when involving the cervical esophagus. Diagnosis and treatment typically start after birth, with some cases managed conservatively. This series presents four ED cases from Jose Marti y Perez Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Cuba (2003-2020). Symptoms included difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and breathing problems. Three cases required surgery: a five-month-old post-esophageal-coloplasty (managed conservatively), a four-year-old post-esophageal atresia repair (diverticulum partially used to fix a narrow spot), and a 16-year-old with Zenker's diverticulum (requiring surgical removal). A 35-day-old baby with ED post-type C esophageal atresia surgery died from a pre-existing condition. Surviving patients lived healthy lives. ED in pediatrics can be congenital or iatrogenic post-esophageal repair. Reflux symptoms, respiratory distress, or a cervical mass should prompt suspicion of ED.