The Radiological Demonstration of Potential Pharyngeal Diverticulum

Abstract

In a series of 250 consecutive X-ray examinations of the pharynx, I have six times seen a pointed barium-filled projection from the posterior pharyngeal wall at the level of the cricoid. The X-ray appearances indicate a horizontal recess which, from its shape and position, I believe to be due to herniation of the pharyngeal mucous membrane through the fibres of the crico-pharyngeus, and therefore to represent a potential pharyngeal diverticulum.