[Zenker´s diverticulum in a hemodialysis patient]

Zenker's diverticulum is a rare and generally benign condition. Its occurrence in a hemodialysis patient has therapeutic and prognostic implications and is a risk factor for mortality and morbidity due to its complications, such as protein-energy malnutrition and pneumonitis. We here report a case of Zenker's diverticulum diagnosed in a chronic haemodialysis patient. The study involved a 61-year-old female patient admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with dysphagia. Physical examination showed alteration of general condition and the patient reported an average weight loss of 5 kg in 3 months. Esophagogastroduodenal transit was characterized by dilatation of the cervical esophagus, appearing as a large heterogeneous niche whose upper pole was at the level of the pharyngoesophageal junction. The diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum was retained. Diverticulectomy by cervical incision was performed. The patient died due to inhalational lung disease in the early postoperative period. Zenker diverticulum is a rare, generally benign disease, but in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis, it increases mortality and morbidity.