Killian-Jamieson diverticulum

Abstract

A 52-year-old gentleman presented with suprasternal dysphagia and cough for 3 months. Double-contrast barium study (Fig. 1) revealed a small left-sided Killian-Jamieson diverticulum. These diverticula originate on the anterolateral wall of the proximal cervical esophagus in a gap inferior to the cricopharyngeus and lateral to the longitudinal muscle of the esophagus [1]. Differentiation from Zenker’s diverticulum is based primarily on the radiographic findings. The opening of a Zenker’s diverticulum is above the level of the cricopharyngeus, with the sac lying posterior to the cervical esophagus on lateral images and in the midline on frontal images. On the other hand, the opening of a KillianJamieson diverticulum is located just below the level of the cricopharyngeus with the sac lying lateral to the cervical esophagus on frontal images and overlapping the anterior wall of the cervical esophagus on lateral images [2]. An accurate anatomic delineation helps in surgical planning.