What causes Zenker’s diverticulum?
The cause of Zenker’s diverticulum is not precisely known, though there are several hypothesis researchers have conjectured about. Some thoughts include reflux, baseline high cricopharyngeal muscle contraction, unusually weak posterior cervical esophageal wall, etc. It could also be a combination of factors. However, upon further study, none of these ideas have explained why some people develop it and others do not. The formation of the pouch does not appear to be hereditary. In many patients who have a Zenker’s diverticulum, other problems of the esophagus are present, though not always.
