TY - JOUR
T1 - Pharyngeal adaptation in Zenker's diverticulum
T2 - The "faux pharyngoesophageal segment"
AU - Leonard, Rebecca J
AU - Belafsky, Peter C
AU - McKenzie, Susan
PY - 2008/9
Y1 - 2008/9
N2 - Background: We have noticed a protrusion on the pharyngeal wall in patients with Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). The protrusion gives the appearance of a neo-pharyngoesophageal segment (faux-PES) and may represent an adaptation to protect the airway. Study Design: A case-control study. Methodology: The fluoroscopic swallow studies of patients with ZD were compared with matched controls. Information regarding the presence and location of a faux-PES, true PES opening, pharyngeal constriction, and laryngohyoid elevation was compared. Results: The fluoroscopic swallow studies of 31 patients with ZD were compared with 31 controls. A faux-PES was found in 100 percent of ZD patients and in 0 percent of controls. The mean maximum opening of the faux-PES was 1.5 (±0.27) cm. The faux-PES was located 1 cm above the true PES below the entrance to the supraglottic airway. This is the optimal location for airway defense. Conclusions: The faux-PES was identified in 100 percent of patients with ZD. The faux-PES may represent a physiologic adaptation to protect the airway from regurgitation out of a ZD.
AB - Background: We have noticed a protrusion on the pharyngeal wall in patients with Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). The protrusion gives the appearance of a neo-pharyngoesophageal segment (faux-PES) and may represent an adaptation to protect the airway. Study Design: A case-control study. Methodology: The fluoroscopic swallow studies of patients with ZD were compared with matched controls. Information regarding the presence and location of a faux-PES, true PES opening, pharyngeal constriction, and laryngohyoid elevation was compared. Results: The fluoroscopic swallow studies of 31 patients with ZD were compared with 31 controls. A faux-PES was found in 100 percent of ZD patients and in 0 percent of controls. The mean maximum opening of the faux-PES was 1.5 (±0.27) cm. The faux-PES was located 1 cm above the true PES below the entrance to the supraglottic airway. This is the optimal location for airway defense. Conclusions: The faux-PES was identified in 100 percent of patients with ZD. The faux-PES may represent a physiologic adaptation to protect the airway from regurgitation out of a ZD.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.otohns.2008.06.009
DO - 10.1016/j.otohns.2008.06.009
M3 - Article
C2 - 18722225
AN - SCOPUS:49549096018
VL - 139
SP - 424
EP - 428
JO - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (United States)
JF - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (United States)
SN - 0194-5998
IS - 3
ER -