Zenker's diverticulum pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pathophysiology
When there is excessive pressure within the lower pharynx, the weakest portion of the pharyngeal wall balloons out, forming a diverticulum which may reach several centimetres in diameter. While traction and pulsion mechanisms have long been deemed the main factors promoting development of a Zenker's diverticulum, current consensus considers occlusive mechanisms to be most important: uncoordinated swallowing, impaired relaxation and spasm of the cricopharyngeus muscle lead to an increase in pressure within the distal pharynx, so that its wall herniates through the point of least resistance (variously known as Killian's triangle, Laimer's triangle, or more accurately Killian-Laimer triangular dehiscence). The result is an outpouching of the posterior pharyngeal wall, just above the oesophagus.[1]
Histopathological Findings: Esophagus; Zenker's diverticulum
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References
- ↑ PMID 12903677 Pathogenesis and methods of treatment of Zenker's diverticulum, Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2003 Jul;112(7):583-93