Since its first description in the 18th century [1], the aetiology of Zenker’s Diverticulum remains uncertain. The common theme in current theory centres upon a structural or physiological abnormality of the cricopharyngeus [2, 3], most likely a failure to fully open [4], leading to increased intrabolus pressure that results in herniation and formation of a diverticulum at a point of weakness in the wall (Killian’s dehiscence) [2] (see figure 1).For many years there has been a suggested association between Zenker’s diverticulum and various forms of...

We undertook a survey of a research database of upper gastro-intestinal barium investigations performed between 1999 and 2007 for patients with a diagnosis of Zenker’s diverticulum. All studies were performed by a Consultant Gastrointestinal Radiologist using a standard protocol. Seventy-four cases of Zenker’s diverticulum were identified. These were matched individually for age and sex against a control group generated from the same database.As well as demographic details, the following features were recorded:- Presenting symptoms including heartburn, dysphagia, globus, chest pain, cough and regurgitation (recorded at...

Seventy-four patients with a Zenker’s diverticulum were identified. The mean age was 70 years 9 months with standard deviation of 15.11. The median age was 74. Forty-eight of these patients were female, and twenty-six were male. The age range was 30 to 92 years. Seventy-four control patients were generated from the same research database. These were matched as closely as possible for age and sex. Group characteristics include a mean age of 70 years 11 months, standard deviation 13.72, median age 74.5 years. The age...

This case control study suggests that the presence of gastro-oesophageal reflux, hiatus hernia and dysmotility is not significantly raised (p<0.05) in Zenkers Diverticulum patients relative to an age and sex-matched control group.Reflux was seen in approximately one third of both patients with and without Zenker’s diverticulum. Hiatus hernia and dysmotility were seen in approximately one quarter and just over half of both groups respectively.These conditions are common in the age group that we investigated (mean age approximately 71 years), however Zenker’s diverticulum is a relatively...

1) Ludlow A. A case of obstructed deglutition from a preternatural dilatation of and bag formed in the pharynx. In: Society of Physicians of London, Medical Observations and Inquiries, 2nd ed, vol. 3. London: T. Cadell, 1769:85–1012) Watemberg S. Landua O, Avrahmi R. Zenkers diverticulum a reappraisal. Am J Gastroenterol 1996; 91:1491-8.3) Cook IJ, Blumbergs P, Cash K, Jamieson GG, Shearman DJ. Structural abnormalities of the cricopharyngeus muscle in patients with pharyngeal (Zenker’s) diverticulum. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1992; 7:556-62.4) Cook IJ, Gabb M, Panagopoulus V,...

Dr Alex Mortimer and Dr Alexis Corrigan are Specialist Registrars at the Severn School of Radiology, UK.Dr Huw Roach, Dr Mark Callaway and Dr Jim Virjee are Consultants in Gastrointestinal Radiology at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK.