Association of midoesophageal diverticula with oesophageal motor disorders

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of associated oesophageal motor disorders in patients with midoesophageal diverticula. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed videofluoroscopic and, if available, manometric studies of 30 patients with midoesophageal diverticula. The type of diverticulum and the presence and nature of oesophageal motor disorders were assessed. Results: Videofluoroscopy showed that 24 patients had 26 pulsion-type diverticula and 6 patients had 7 traction-type diverticula. Oesophageal motor disorders were demonstrated in 21 of the 24 patients with pulsion-type diverticula and in 3 of the 6 with traction-type diverticula. Nineteen patients had nonspecific motor disorders, 5 had achalasia, and 5 had gastrooesophageal reflux or oesophagitis. Conclusion: Midoesophageal diverticula are most often of the pulsion-type and tend to be associated with an oesophageal motor disorder. Motor disorders are predominantly nonspecific, but achalasia may be encountered as well.