Dissecting (Intramural) Pharyngo-Esophageal Diverticulum

Abstract

A dissecting pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum has, to the best of our knowledge, never been reported in the literature. The roentgen signs of such a dissecting form of pulsion diverticulum are characteristic and permit of a preoperative diagnosis, once the pathological possibility of such a lesion is established. The intramural pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum in the case to be recorded here was situated posteriorly between the mucosa and muscularis of the esophagus. The roentgen appearance and characteristics of such a lesion can quite readily be surmised. Although there are points of similarity between the intramural and extramural forms, one can easily differentiate one from the other. It is hoped that the description of our findings will lead to the discovery of more such forms of pharyngo-esophageal diverticulum before surgical extirpation is attempted. Our patient would have been spared some anxious and dangerous moments had the roentgen features been fully appreciated and a correct preoperative dia...