Pharyngeal pouch and polymyositis: association and implications for aetiology of Zenker's diverticulum

A case of pharyngeal (Zenker's) pouch in a patient suffering from polymyositis is presented. Although dysphagia is a recognized manifestation of polymyositis, in this unique case it was caused by a pharyngeal pouch. The aetiology of Zenker's diverticulum is discussed in the light of this unexpected association.