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Zenker's diverticulum complicating achalasia: a 'cup-and-spill' oesophagus
Mark Sayles1, Laura Harrison, Julian A McGlashan
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
Abstract:
A 72-year-old woman presented with long-standing gastro-oesophageal reflux, regurgitation of swallowed food and worsening cervical dysphagia. Fluoroscopic barium oesophagography revealed a posterolateral pharyngeal pouch (Zenker's diverticulum (ZD)) complicating a 'cup and spill' oesophageal deformity with a smoothly tapered segment at the gastro-oesophageal junction. CT and high-resolution manometry confirmed that the underlying abnormality was a massively dilated oesophagus with aperistalsis and pan-oesophageal pressurisation, consistent with a diagnosis of oesophageal achalasia (type II). She underwent endoscopic stapled diverticulotomy, with good symptomatic relief. We discuss the aetiology of ZD, its management and the association here with oesophageal achalasia.
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