Esophageal Lobe in a Neonate: A Rare Diagnosis Presenting with Common Symptoms—A Case Report and Narrative Review

Background/Objectives: Esophageal lobe is a rare bronchopulmonary foregut malformation characterized by an anomalous communication between the esophagus and a bronchus or lung parenchyma. The literature on this condition is limited, and owing to its rarity, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches vary among reported cases. Methods: We report a case of right-sided esophageal lobe diagnosed postnatally in a neonate presenting with persistent respiratory symptoms and progressive pulmonary infection. In addition, we performed a narrative review of 38 cases, identified through a literature search performed in May and June 2025 using the PubMed database. Results: Diagnosis was established by contrast esophagography and subsequently confirmed by cross-sectional imaging. Following stabilization and treatment of infection, the patient underwent definitive surgical management, with favorable postoperative recovery and resolution of respiratory and feeding symptoms. Among the 38 reviewed cases, right-sided involvement was reported in 31 cases and associated congenital anomalies in 17 cases. Sex was reported in 33 cases, of whom 21 were female and 12 were male. Conclusions: Esophageal lobe remains a diagnostically challenging congenital malformation. Early recognition, appropriate imaging, and timely surgical management may result in favorable clinical outcomes.