Epiphrenic esophageal diverticula: spectrum of symptoms and consequences

Patients with esophageal diverticula may present with a variety of symptoms. Many of these symptoms mimic less serious disease, making diagnosis of esophageal diverticulum difficult for many primary care physicians. Delayed or missed diagnosis of this disorder may lead to more serious problems including gastrointestinal bleeding, aspiration pneumonia, and cancer. Our case series illustrates a variety of symptoms observed among three patients who were diagnosed and surgically treated for esophageal diverticulum. Appropriate diagnosis and management of esophageal diverticulum results in resolution of symptoms and decreased risk of morbidity.