November 12, 2010

Bilateral Lateral Hypopharyngocele (Cervical Esophageal Diverticulum)

I recently was asked to review this interesting (and rare) disorder in which a diverticulum or pouch has formed on both sides of a patient's upper esophagus. This condition which I'll call bilateral lateral "hypopharyngocele" is even more rare than Zenker's Diverticulum which is also not very common.

Check out the barium swallow which shows a barbell like image. The "barbell" part is the abnormal pouch and is found on both sides.

A paper was actually written about this condition by Dr. Chang.

Reference:
Bilateral Pharyngoceles (versus Branchial Cleft Anomalies?) and Endoscopic Surgical Considerations. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, & Laryngology. 114(7):529-532, 2005.
Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.


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