Oesophageal pouches and diverticula: a pictorial review.

Diverticula of the oesophagus are rare. They can occur at any level, and are often defined by their anatomical location. Three categories are recognised, namely pharyngo-oesophageal, parabronchial and epiphrenic. Although these diverticula are often asymptomatic, patients can develop significant problems with dysphagia, regurgitation and aspiration. The causation of oesophageal diverticula is controversial; however, the popular current belief is that most occur because of oesophageal dysmotility. This paper demonstrates the categories of oesophageal diverticula pictorially, including the radiological features and underlying pathology.

Spondyloenchondromatosis with D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria: a report of a second patient with this unusual combination.

Spondyloenchondromatosis (SEM) is a rare skeletal dysplasia which presents with multiple enchondromata in the metaphyses of the long bones associated with dysplastic vertebral bodies. It is probably heterogeneous. We have investigated and documented a male infant in South Africa with spondyloenchondromatosis and persistent D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (D2HA). D2HA is a neurometabolic disorder whose enzymatic basis is still undefined. A girl in England with a similar clinical, radiological and biochemical phenotype has previously been reported by Talkhani et al. [(2000). Skel Radiol 7:215-2921]. There is at present a lack of a plausible pathogenetic relationship between the two components of the disorder but a contiguous gene syndrome or a pleiotropic gene could be considered. Whatever the underlying mechanism this case report confirms its nosological entity.

Carcinoma of the oesophagus.

A survey of carcinoma of the oesophagus at Kalafong Hospital revealed a greater incidence of the disease in males, being highest in the age group 50 - 59 years, with the middle third of the oesophagus the most prevalent site and with oesophagotracheal or oesophagobronchial fistulae a common complication.