A Rarely Seen Complication That Causes Increase in Morbidity in Tetraplegic Patients: Zenker Diverticula

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Sep;96(9):e166-e169. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000679.

Abstract

Although spinal cord injury (SCI) damages the spinal cord, physiological changes due to SCI can affect many organs and systems of the human body. While respiratory problems are common following cervical SCI, dysphagia is a relatively uncommon secondary complication that occurs after cervical SCI. We report a case of recurrent aspiration pneumonia due to Zenker diverticulum in 26-year-old tetraplegic patient with a chronic history of silent aspirations and dysphagia contributing to functional disability.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / etiology*
  • Quadriplegia / complications*
  • Recurrence
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications*
  • Zenker Diverticulum / etiology*