Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Zenker's diverticulum classification
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Diverticula of the esophagus can be classified into phrenoesophageal (Zenker’s diverticulum-70%), epiphrenic, thoracic and mediastinal.
Classification
Classification
- Esophageal diverticula are classified on the basis of location into three types[1][2][3]
- Almost all esophageal diverticula are acquired pulsion diverticula.
1. Phrenoesophageal (Zenker’s diverticulum-70%)
- ZD is a defect over the Killian’s triangle, a point of weakness in the muscular wall of the hypopharynx
2. Epiphrenic (20%)
- Epinephric diverticula result either from hypertonia of the lower esophageal sphincter (esophageal achalasia)
3. Thoracic and mediastinal (10%)
- Thoracic diverticula are probably more often of a congenital than traction origin.
| Type of diverticulum | Major characteristics |
|---|---|
| Zenker’s diverticulum |
|
| Traction diverticulumm |
|
| Epiphrenic diverticiulum |
|
| Thoracic diverticulum |
|
| Mediastinal diverticulum |
|
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]