Zenker's Diverticulum

Zenker's Diverticulum
Other Names	Pharyngeal Pouch
Modified barium swallow filling a Zenker's Diverticulum
Identifiers
ICD-9	530.6
ICD-10	K22.5
Outside Resources
Radiopaedia	Zenker Diverticulum

Overview

A Zenker's Diverticulum, sometimes referred to as a pharyngeal pouch, is a herniation of esophageal mucosa through the posterior pharyngeal wall between the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscles.

History

The Zenker's diverticulum is named after Friedrich Albert von Zenker (1825–1898), a German pathologist who served as the dean of the medical faculty and prorector at the University of Erlangen.

Pathophysiology

Genetics

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Histology

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Diagnosis

Patient History

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Physical Examination

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Laboratory Tests

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Imaging

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Differential Diagnosis

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Management

Medical Management

There is no medical management that will significantly impact the development or worsening of a Zenker's diverticulum. Medical management would be limited to the treatment of sequelae of the diverticulum, such as aspiration pneumonia.

Surgical Management

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Outcomes

Complications

The main complication associated with a Zenker's Diverticulum is aspiration secondary to reflux of contents of the diverticulum. Patients will also often complain of halitosis.

Prognosis

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