[Intramural pseudodiverticulosis of the esophagus. Clinical aspects, morphologic changes and functional disorders]

Oesophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis, a rare benign disease with as yet unexplained aetiology, was observed in 4 patients during the course of 2 years. The main symptom is dysphagia. Radiographic and endoscopically detectable diverticula or diverticular orifices are pathognomonic. A prolongation in the duration of oesophageal contractions is the main manometric finding. At autopsy, a reduction in the number of oesophageal intramural ganglion cells was seen in one case. A prolonged pressure-effect on the oesophageal wall could be the cause of the wall pouches.