A dilemma of a case of Zenker diverticulum; leak or Acinetobacter baumannii?! A case report

Zenker's diverticulum is an acquired mucosal pulsion of the upper esophagus. The aim of this paper is to report a case of Zenker's diverticulum with a complicated postoperative course including infection by Acinetobacter baumannii causing diagnostic as well as management dilemma.

A 43-year-old male complained from dysphagia for three months. Barium swallow revealed Zenker's diverticulum. Under general anesthesia, the small Zenker's diverticulum was ligated and myotomy was done. He developed erythematous swelling at the site of the operation. The patient was taken to the operation theater. The esophagus was tested, no trace of leak was found. The patient developed cardiac arrest. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and remained there for twenty eight days. Bronchial wash culture showed Acinetobacter baumannii. The patient was on antibiotic, supportive treatment and enteral feeding through nasogastric tube. After recovery he was extubated and barium swallow was done which was normal and showed no signs of leak. Three months after the operation, the patient was completely normal.

This case had a positive culture for Acinetobacter baumannii. It is commonly accounted for nosocomial infections. It has been documented as a serious threat worldwide because of the emerging prevalence of multidrug resistant. However, an inadequate understanding of A. baumannii pathophysiology and ecosystem confines the progress of alternative therapeutic policies. In the current case, it was not clear either leak or Acinetobacter baumannii was the cause of deterioration.

Both esophageal leak and infection with Acinetobacter baumannii are fulminant debilitating conditions that could be managed with conservative strategies.