Epiphrenic diverticulum, also known as pulsion diverticulum, is a rare form of esophageal diverticulum occurring in the distal 10 centimeters of the esophagus, most commonly 4 to 8 cm above the gastric cardia. Patients with this condition often present with dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, and chest pain. Respiratory symptoms like chronic cough or recurrent aspiration pneumonia occasionally arise due to food stasis in the diverticulum. Some patients may remain asymptomatic, with the diverticulum incidentally discovered during investigations for other conditions.The pathogenesis of epiphrenic diverticula is often linked to esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia, which cause increased intraluminal pressure and subsequent outpouching of the esophageal wall. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies, with barium swallow radiography being highly effective in visualizing the diverticulum. Endoscopy may also be utilized for direct visualization and to rule out malignancy.Management includes both conservative and surgical approaches. Small, asymptomatic diverticula may only require monitoring, while symptomatic cases often necessitate surgical intervention. Surgical options include diverticulectomy combined with esophageal myotomy to address any underlying motility disorder and prevent recurrence. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery may also be employed to reduce recovery time and complications.This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ proficiency in evaluating and managing epiphrenic diverticulum. Participants gain a deeper insight into the condition’s pathogenesis and clinical presentation, as well as the best diagnostic and management practices. Greater competence equips learners to collaborate within an interprofessional team caring for patients with epiphrenic diverticula, enhancing outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/21250
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Ambulatory/Outpatient, Gastroenterology, General Operative Anesthesia, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, General Thoracic, GI (incl. Liver, Pancreas, Bilary), Internal Medicine, Pediatric Gastroenterology