Congenital Esophageal Stenosis Presenting During Weaning in a 5-Month-Old Infant

Background/Objectives: Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare condition that may present with feeding difficulties in infancy, often becoming evident during weaning. We report a case of CES presenting with progressive dysphagia during the introduction of solid foods. Methods: Clinical evaluation, contrast esophagography, endoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to characterize the stenosis and guide management. Results: Imaging revealed a fixed narrowing of the mid-distal esophagus with minimal passage of contrast and proximal dilatation. Endoscopy confirmed a non-traversable intrinsic stenosis with macroscopically normal mucosa. The patient underwent three endoscopic dilation sessions under general anesthesia using Savary-Gilliard bougies with progressive diameters (3–5 mm, 3–7 mm, and 7–11 mm). No major procedural complications occurred. At 2-month follow-up after the last dilation, feeding was appropriate for age, dysphagia had improved, and growth was regular. Conclusions: CES should be suspected in infants with feeding difficulties that worsen during weaning, particularly when symptoms are resistant to anti-reflux therapy. Endoscopic dilation can improve feeding tolerance, although repeated and staged sessions may be required. The role of adjunctive therapies such as topical budesonide remains uncertain.

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Publication Details

Journal
Children
Published
2026-05-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/children13050706
Primary Topic
Esophageal and GI Pathology
Type
article
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article

Congenital Esophageal Stenosis Presenting During Weaning in a 5-Month-Old Infant

Maria Giovanna Puoti, Serena Marulo, Paolo Quitadamo, Sara Isoldi et al.
Children
Esophageal and GI Pathology
article

Congenital Esophageal Stenosis Presenting During Weaning in a 5-Month-Old Infant

Maria Giovanna Puoti, Serena Marulo, Paolo Quitadamo, Sara Isoldi, Francesco Cirillo, Giovanni Di Nardo, Cristina Bucci, Federica Riccitiello, Laura Aurino, Rossella Turco, Massimo Verdicchio
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare condition that may present with feeding difficulties in infancy, often becoming evident during weaning. We report a case of CES presenting with progressive dysphagia during the introduction of solid foods. Methods: Clinical evaluation, contrast esophagography, endoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to characterize the stenosis and guide management. Results: Imaging revealed a fixed narrowing of the mid-distal esophagus with minimal passage of contrast and proximal dilatation. Endoscopy confirmed a non-traversable intrinsic stenosis with macroscopically normal mucosa. The patient underwent three endoscopic dilation sessions under general anesthesia using Savary-Gilliard bougies with progressive diameters (3–5 mm, 3–7 mm, and 7–11 mm). No major procedural complications occurred. At 2-month follow-up after the last dilation, feeding was appropriate for age, dysphagia had improved, and growth was regular. Conclusions: CES should be suspected in infants with feeding difficulties that worsen during weaning, particularly when symptoms are resistant to anti-reflux therapy. Endoscopic dilation can improve feeding tolerance, although repeated and staged sessions may be required. The role of adjunctive therapies such as topical budesonide remains uncertain.

ChildrenVol. 13(5)
University of Salerno (IT), Santobono Children's Hospital (IT)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Esophageal and GI Pathology
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Congenital Esophageal Stenosis Presenting During Weaning in a 5-Month-Old Infant — Maria Giovanna Puoti, Serena Marulo, et al. · Children (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS