Esophageal Diverticula Basics

OVERVIEW

An abnormal, circumscribed enlargement or dilatation of the esophagus producing a region for accumulation of ingesta
Two types of esophageal diverticula exist.
Pulsion (true) diverticula are associated with high intraluminal pressure leading to mucosal herniation through the muscularis; histologically, the cellular remnants are epithelium and connective tissue.
Traction (false) diverticula are caused by the outward pull of connective tissue on the esophagus; all four cell layers (mucosa, submucosa,muscularis, and adventitia) remain intact.
Approximately 50–70% of diverticula (especially epiphrenic pulsion types) are associated with other lesions of the esophagus ordiaphragm.
Organ systems affected include the gastrointestinal (regurgitation), musculoskeletal (weight loss), and respiratory (aspiration pneumonia).