[Bilateral hypopharyngocele].

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Imaging
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Pharyngoceles are rare outpouchings of the pharyngeal wall.
• Bilateral hypopharyngocele can present with subtle symptoms, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
• Professional musicians, particularly wind instrument players, may be at risk due to specific playing techniques.

Observation:

• A professional trumpet player presented with dysphonia and cervical pain during performance.
• Computed Tomography (CT) revealed an asymmetric bilateral hypopharyngocele without other significant findings.
• Symptoms were mild, and the patient's professional context was a key consideration in management.

Findings:

• A conservative management approach was effective for this case of bilateral hypopharyngocele.
• Treatment included antireflux medication and targeted instruction to modify trumpet playing technique.
• The patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms and improved sound production after 6 months.

Implications:

• Conservative management, including medication and specialized therapy, can be successful for professional musicians with pharyngocele.
• Early diagnosis and tailored interventions are crucial for managing rare conditions like hypopharyngocele in performers.
• This case highlights the importance of considering occupational factors in the diagnosis and treatment of pharyngeal abnormalities.