Further evidence for Zenker’s diverticulum in a slim woman with body figure predisposition: a case report and literature review

Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) is a bag-like pharyngeal pouch that protrudes to the outside of the pharynx. It is thought to be an acquired disease that occurs following the dysfunction of laryngopharynx muscle, and certain body shapes may be predisposed to this condition. We report a 56-year-old female of slim build with ZD. Computed tomography scanning revealed a hypodense lesion on the left posterior side of her upper esophagus that was filled with air and had no obvious wall. To verify this finding, a barium esophagogram was carried out which showed a round pouch at the level of the 6th cervical vertebral body that communicated with the esophagus through a narrow neck. ZD was subsequently confirmed by endoscopy. These findings provide further evidence in support of a body shape predisposition for ZD.