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A pediatric case of Zenker diverticulum: imaging findings
Süreyya Burcu Görkem1, Ali Yikilmaz, Abdülhakim Coşkun
1Department of Radiology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey. drburcugorkem@gmail.com
Insights
Zenker diverticulum, a rare pediatric condition, was diagnosed in a 10-year-old boy presenting with aspiration pneumonia and dysphagia. This case highlights the importance of considering this pharyngeal outpouching disorder in children with relevant symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
Background:
- Zenker diverticulum is an outpouching of pharyngeal mucosa through a posterior pharyngeal wall weakness.
- It is predominantly recognized as an adult disorder, with pediatric occurrences being exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with symptoms including aspiration pneumonia, dysphagia, regurgitation, and halitosis.
- These clinical manifestations prompted a comprehensive radiologic investigation.
Findings:
- Diagnostic imaging, including chest radiography, ultrasonography, esophagography, and CT scans, confirmed the presence of Zenker diverticulum.
- The imaging studies clearly delineated the pathological pharyngeal outpouching.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of considering Zenker diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with unexplained aspiration and swallowing difficulties.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging is crucial for appropriate management of this rare pediatric condition.
Abstract:
Zenker diverticulum is known as an adult disease which occurs as result of outpouching of pharyngeal mucosa through a weak zone in the posterior wall of the pharynx. It is a very rare disorder in childhood, and only a few pediatric cases of Zenker diverticulum have been reported. Here, we report a 10-year-old boy with Zenker diverticulum who presented with aspiration pneumonia, dysphagia, regurgitation, and halitosis. The radiologic evaluation of the patient included chest radiography, ultrasonography, esophagography, and chest computed tomography which clearly demonstrated the pathological findings and confirmed the diagnosis.
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