Oesophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis.

Twelve cases of oesophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis are described and the findings in 85 previously reported cases are reviewed. The condition occurs in all age groups, predominantly in the sixth and seventh decades, with a slight predilection for males. The characteristic radiographic appearance is of multiple flask shaped outpouchings of 1-4 mm with narrow necks communicating with the oesophageal lumen. The source of the pseudodiverticula has been shown to be pathologically dilated excretory ducts of the submucous glands due to chronic submucosal inflammation. The distribution was segmental in 57 cases (59%) and diffuse in 40 (41%). Dysphagia is the main symptom and was found in 85 cases (88%); 88 cases out of 97 had radiological narrowing of the oesophagus; of these, 39 (44%) were in the upper oesophagus, 20 (23%) in the middle oesophagus, and 29 (33%) in the lower oesophagus. Treatment is directed towards management of the associated disorder, as the diverticula themselves rarely cause problems.