Phlegmonous esophagitis associated with epiphrenic diverticulum
Mann, N.S.; Borkar, B.B.; Mann, S.K.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 70(5): 510-513
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 105632 Document Number: 137287
Diverticula of the distal esophagus (epiphrenic diverticula) are relatively rare but more often cause symptoms compared to the traction diverticula of midesophagus. They are generally large and their orifice is about 4-6 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. They generally produce esophageal obstructive and regurgitative symptoms and are associated with esophageal motility disorder. They were described in association with hiatus hernia, esophageal carcinoma and eventration of the diaphragm. Association of suppurative (phlegmonous) esophagitis with epiphrenic diverticula is not common. A case of phlegmonous esophagitis associated with a large epiphrenic diverticulum is reported. Phlegmonous esophagitis was diagnosed by fiberoptic endoscopy and biopsy and it responded to antibiotic therapy.