Killian-Jamieson and Zenker diverticula

Case contributed by Aqeel Alameer
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Coughing and choking on food. Intermittent hoarseness.

Patient Data

Age: 85 years
Gender: Female

Barium swallow

Barium

There is an 18 mm Killian-Jamieson esophageal diverticulum protruding on the left just inferior to the cricopharyngeus.

In addition, there is a Zenker diverticulum arising from the posterior wall immediately above the level of the cricopharyngeus , measuring 20 mm in maximum diameter.

Case Discussion

Killian-Jamieson diverticula are rare and arise from the lateral wall of the pharyngo-esophageal junction below the cricopharyngeus muscle and lateral to longitudinal muscular fiber of esophagus.

Zenker diverticula are much more common and arise from the posterior wall of the pharyngo-esophageal junction, below the superior pharyngeal constrictor and above the cricopharyngeus muscle.

This case is a nice demonstration of both diverticula.

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