Zenker's diverticulum: Difference between revisions
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= Zenker's | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Zenker's diverticulum | |||
| image = [[File:ZenkerSchraeg.gif|250px]] | |||
| caption = Diagram of a Zenker's diverticulum | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| synonyms = Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum | |||
| symptoms = [[Dysphagia]], [[regurgitation]], [[cough]], [[halitosis]] | |||
| complications = [[Aspiration pneumonia]], [[malnutrition]] | |||
| onset = Typically in older adults | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = Weakness in the [[muscle]] of the [[esophagus]] | |||
| risks = [[Age]], [[sex]] (more common in males) | |||
| diagnosis = [[Barium swallow]], [[endoscopy]] | |||
| differential = [[Esophageal cancer]], [[achalasia]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[endoscopic]] procedures | |||
| medication = None specific | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Zenker's diverticulum''' is a medical condition characterized by an outpouching or herniation of the mucosal and submucosal layers of the esophageal wall. It occurs specifically at an anatomical location known as Killian's triangle, which is an area of potential weakness where the [[Pharynx|pharynx]] and [[Esophagus|esophagus]] meet. This condition is named after Friedrich Albert von Zenker, the German pathologist who first described it in the 19th century. | '''Zenker's diverticulum''' is a medical condition characterized by an outpouching or herniation of the mucosal and submucosal layers of the esophageal wall. It occurs specifically at an anatomical location known as Killian's triangle, which is an area of potential weakness where the [[Pharynx|pharynx]] and [[Esophagus|esophagus]] meet. This condition is named after Friedrich Albert von Zenker, the German pathologist who first described it in the 19th century. | ||
== Anatomy and Pathophysiology == | == Anatomy and Pathophysiology == | ||
Zenker's diverticulum occurs just above the cricopharyngeal muscle, which is part of the [[Upper esophageal sphincter]]. The condition is thought to result from increased intraluminal pressure against a weakened esophageal wall. | Zenker's diverticulum occurs just above the cricopharyngeal muscle, which is part of the [[Upper esophageal sphincter]]. The condition is thought to result from increased intraluminal pressure against a weakened esophageal wall. | ||
=== Killian's Triangle === | === Killian's Triangle === | ||
Killian's Triangle is the anatomic area between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscle where Zenker's diverticulum typically develops. | Killian's Triangle is the anatomic area between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscle where Zenker's diverticulum typically develops. | ||
[[File:Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum -- low mag.jpg|left|thumb|An anatomical illustration highlighting Killian's Triangle.]] | |||
[[File:Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum -- low mag.jpg|thumb | |||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Patients with Zenker's diverticulum may present with a range of symptoms, including dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation of undigested food, coughing, especially at night, and bad breath (halitosis). | Patients with Zenker's diverticulum may present with a range of symptoms, including dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation of undigested food, coughing, especially at night, and bad breath (halitosis). | ||
=== Dysphagia === | === Dysphagia === | ||
Dysphagia is often the primary symptom and can progress from difficulty swallowing solids to liquids as the diverticulum enlarges. | Dysphagia is often the primary symptom and can progress from difficulty swallowing solids to liquids as the diverticulum enlarges. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
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The diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum often involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. | The diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum often involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. | ||
=== Barium Swallow === | === Barium Swallow === | ||
A [[Barium swallow]] X-ray study is the classic diagnostic tool, revealing the presence of a diverticulum as a contrast-filled pouch. | A [[Barium swallow]] X-ray study is the classic diagnostic tool, revealing the presence of a diverticulum as a contrast-filled pouch. | ||
[[File:Zenkerdivertkel - 59m - RF - 001.jpg|left|thumb|Barium swallow X-ray showing a Zenker's diverticulum.]] | |||
[[File:Zenkerdivertkel - 59m - RF - 001.jpg|thumb|Barium swallow X-ray showing a Zenker's diverticulum.]] | |||
=== Endoscopy === | === Endoscopy === | ||
Esophageal [[Endoscopy]] must be performed with care to avoid perforation but can visualize the diverticulum directly. | Esophageal [[Endoscopy]] must be performed with care to avoid perforation but can visualize the diverticulum directly. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment options for Zenker's diverticulum can be divided into surgical and non-surgical approaches. | Treatment options for Zenker's diverticulum can be divided into surgical and non-surgical approaches. | ||
=== Surgical Approach === | === Surgical Approach === | ||
Surgical treatment, traditionally the definitive treatment, may involve a cricopharyngeal myotomy and excision or suspension of the diverticulum. | Surgical treatment, traditionally the definitive treatment, may involve a cricopharyngeal myotomy and excision or suspension of the diverticulum. | ||
=== Non-Surgical Approach === | === Non-Surgical Approach === | ||
Endoscopic techniques have become more common and can involve endoscopic stapling or laser-assisted diverticulotomy. | Endoscopic techniques have become more common and can involve endoscopic stapling or laser-assisted diverticulotomy. | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
If untreated, Zenker's diverticulum can lead to significant morbidity, including aspiration pneumonia, weight loss, and malnutrition. | If untreated, Zenker's diverticulum can lead to significant morbidity, including aspiration pneumonia, weight loss, and malnutrition. | ||
== Epidemiology == | == Epidemiology == | ||
Zenker's diverticulum is more common in the elderly population and has a slight male predominance. | Zenker's diverticulum is more common in the elderly population and has a slight male predominance. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Esophageal diverticulum]] | * [[Esophageal diverticulum]] | ||
| Line 62: | Line 61: | ||
* [[Gastroenterology]] | * [[Gastroenterology]] | ||
* [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | * [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-zenkers-diverticulum American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Understanding Zenker's Diverticulum] | * [https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-zenkers-diverticulum American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Understanding Zenker's Diverticulum] | ||
* [https://www.entnet.org/content/zenkers-diverticulum American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Zenker's Diverticulum] | * [https://www.entnet.org/content/zenkers-diverticulum American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Zenker's Diverticulum] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
[[Category:Digestive system]] | [[Category:Digestive system]] | ||
[[Category:Diseases and disorders of the esophagus]] | [[Category:Diseases and disorders of the esophagus]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:10, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Zenker's diverticulum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Dysphagia, regurgitation, cough, halitosis |
| Complications | Aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition |
| Onset | Typically in older adults |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Weakness in the muscle of the esophagus |
| Risks | Age, sex (more common in males) |
| Diagnosis | Barium swallow, endoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Esophageal cancer, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgery, endoscopic procedures |
| Medication | None specific |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Zenker's diverticulum is a medical condition characterized by an outpouching or herniation of the mucosal and submucosal layers of the esophageal wall. It occurs specifically at an anatomical location known as Killian's triangle, which is an area of potential weakness where the pharynx and esophagus meet. This condition is named after Friedrich Albert von Zenker, the German pathologist who first described it in the 19th century.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology[edit]
Zenker's diverticulum occurs just above the cricopharyngeal muscle, which is part of the Upper esophageal sphincter. The condition is thought to result from increased intraluminal pressure against a weakened esophageal wall.
Killian's Triangle[edit]
Killian's Triangle is the anatomic area between the inferior pharyngeal constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscle where Zenker's diverticulum typically develops.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with Zenker's diverticulum may present with a range of symptoms, including dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation of undigested food, coughing, especially at night, and bad breath (halitosis).
Dysphagia[edit]
Dysphagia is often the primary symptom and can progress from difficulty swallowing solids to liquids as the diverticulum enlarges.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum often involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies.
Barium Swallow[edit]
A Barium swallow X-ray study is the classic diagnostic tool, revealing the presence of a diverticulum as a contrast-filled pouch.
Endoscopy[edit]
Esophageal Endoscopy must be performed with care to avoid perforation but can visualize the diverticulum directly.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for Zenker's diverticulum can be divided into surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Surgical Approach[edit]
Surgical treatment, traditionally the definitive treatment, may involve a cricopharyngeal myotomy and excision or suspension of the diverticulum.
Non-Surgical Approach[edit]
Endoscopic techniques have become more common and can involve endoscopic stapling or laser-assisted diverticulotomy.
Complications[edit]
If untreated, Zenker's diverticulum can lead to significant morbidity, including aspiration pneumonia, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Epidemiology[edit]
Zenker's diverticulum is more common in the elderly population and has a slight male predominance.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references/>
