Ultrasonographic findings of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum: two case reports and review of literature.

Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum is a rare disease characterized by an alimentary tract pouch or a circular dilated cavity arising from the esophagus. Barium swallow and endoscopy are the gold standard for the diagnosis of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum. However, routine ultrasonography can be employed as a noninvasive alternative. We report two patients with cervical esophageal diverticulum diagnosed by ultrasonography. It has been reported in the literature that pharyngoesophageal diverticulum resembles a thyroid or parathyroid nodule on ultrasonogram. We summarize the ultrasonic findings of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum to avoid unnecessary fine-needle aspirate biopsy or surgical treatment.