Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in the Umbilicus

Umbilical nodule present since birth

“…Heterotopia is the abnormal presence of well‐differentiated tissue in a non‐physiologic location with coexistent, retained native tissue. The cause of gastric heterotopia is not well understood; theories include abnormal differentiation of endodermal cells (possibly due to underlying mesodermal signaling) and abnormal migration of embryonic tissue 3,4 . Heterotopic gastric mucosa has been documented throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is a rare cause of an umbilical nodule, with fewer than 10 cases reported.…”

“…Umbilical polyps form via outward telescoping of OMD mucosa, while OMD cysts occur when a portion of OMD remains patent and the ends obliterate. Histologically, they are identical and lined by cuboidal or columnar epithelium with GI differentiation 4 …”

“…Neither the true rate of co‐occurrence of umbilical polyps with OMD or heterotopic gastric mucosa nor percentage of umbilical polyps that develop complications is known. When clinical or radiographic evaluation is concerning, a mini‐laparotomy or laparoscopy is typically performed 1,3–6,9 …”

Ultrasonic Features of Uncommon Congenital Heterotopic Colon and Pancreas in the Neck: An Extremely Rare Case Report

“…Ectopic gastrointestinal cysts are rare lesions that mainly occur in the digestive tract, including the esophagus, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder and Meckel's diverticulum (1,2). The lesions that occur in locations outside the digestive tract, such as the lips, larynx, submandibular gland, epiglottis and anterior neck, are even rarer (3,4). To date, the exact etiology of ectopic gastrointestinal cysts remains unknown.…”

Is It Barrett's Esophagus or Gastric Heterotopia

“…An inlet patch is widely considered to be congenital [ 4 , 8 ]. Although it can be responsible for laryngeal reflux symptoms, pain and dysphagia [ 4 , 8 , 9 ], the majority of patients with an inlet patch are asymptomatic and detected incidentally during the evaluation for other gastrointestinal complaints [ 4 , 8 , 10 ]. The presence of Helicobacter pylori in this area is not rare [ 11 ], and heterotopic gastric mucosa can be responsible for the development of webs, strictures, ulcers, fistula and, exceedingly rarely, adenocarcinoma [ 4 ].…”