Gastric Duplication Cyst Pathology and Treatment Strategies

Gastric duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations characterised by the presence of a cystic or tubular structure that shares a smooth-muscle wall and epithelial lining with the stomach. They arise during early embryogenesis, potentially from aberrant recanalisation or split notochord processes, and account for a small fraction of alimentary tract duplications. Most are diagnosed in infancy or childhood, yet asymptomatic lesions may remain occult until adulthood. Clinical presentation varies widely, from incidental radiological findings to non-specific symptoms such as epigastric pain, vomiting or gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnostic work-up combines cross-sectional imaging—computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging—with endoscopic ultrasonography to delineate wall layers, characterise cyst contents and guide fine-needle sampling. Histopathology reveals gastric mucosa with potential ectopic tissues and a contiguous smooth-muscle coat. Treatment is guided by symptomatology, cyst morphology and risk of complications, which include infection, ulceration, fistula formation, obstruction and rare malignant transformation. Complete surgical excision, whether by open or laparoscopic approach, remains the gold-standard for cystic variants, ensuring definitive diagnosis and preventing adverse sequelae. Tubular duplications may, in selected cases, be managed conservatively with close surveillance. Emerging minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques are expanding the therapeutic arsenal, offering reduced morbidity while maintaining efficacy.

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Gastric Duplication Cyst Pathology and Treatment Strategies publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in gastric duplication cyst pathology and treatment strategies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Gastric duplication cyst: A congenital lesion comprising a cystic or tubular outpouching lined by gastric mucosa and encompassed by a smooth-muscle wall, which may communicate with or lie adjacent to the stomach.

Endoscopic ultrasonography: A diagnostic modality combining endoscopy and ultrasound to visualise gastrointestinal wall layers and adjacent structures with high resolution.

Laparoscopic resection: A minimally invasive surgical technique using small abdominal incisions, a camera and specialised instruments to excise lesions.

Malignant transformation: The process by which benign cystic epithelium undergoes dysplasia and develops into invasive cancer, such as adenocarcinoma.

References

1. Clinical features of gastric duplications: evidence from primary case reports and published data. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases (2021).
2. Successful laparoscopic resection for gastric duplication cyst: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports (2019).
3. Gastric Duplication Cyst: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature. Case Reports in Surgery (2013).
4. Peritoneal metastatic adenocarcinoma possibly due to a gastric duplication cyst: a case report and literature review. BMC Gastroenterology (2014).
5. Foregut duplication of the stomach diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound guidedfine-needle aspiration cytology: case report and literature review. World Journal of Surgical Oncology (2013).
6. Adenocarcinoma Arising From a Gastric Duplication Cyst With Lymph Node Metastasis. Cureus (2020).