Zenker's diverticulum: A case study of dysphagia in an elderly gentleman

Abstract

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is an acquired, false, and pulsion diverticulum formed by the protrusion of mucosa and submucosa through Killian's dehiscence. The index case is a 91-year-old Nepali patient with a known history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, and stage 4 chronic kidney disease, who has been experiencing dysphagia, halitosis, and chronic cough for 25 years. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed an outpouching filled with air, fluid, and some solid contents, arising at the level of the cricoid cartilage and extending posteriorly to the esophagus, compressing it. A barium swallow test was performed for confirmation and revealed similar findings. The patient was counseled for surgery but declined due to old age and comorbidities. ZD is commonly seen in the geriatric population and patients with neuromuscular discordance. Barium swallow and CT chest scans can diagnose ZD, and surgery is the mainstay of treatment.

Keywords

• Barium swallow
• Halitosis
• Killian dehiscence
• Pulsion
• Zenker's Diverticulum