Cervical dysphagia: pharyngeal protrusions and achalasia.

Cervical achalasia, webs, and pharyngeal protrusions, particularly Zenker's diverticula, are prominent sources of upper alimentary tract dysphagia. Since achalasia and webs can secondarily cause pharyngeal protrusions, they may coexist, and must be ruled out before commencing treatment. The nature and origin of these entities and means of radiographic distinction are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the various forms of lateral pharyngeal protrusion, which are the most poorly understood.

Bifid epiglottis: a rare laryngeal anomaly.

Two cases of bifid epiglottis are presented: one with an associated laryngeal cyst and another with an associated cricoid stenosis. The occurrence of multiple laryngeal anomalies in association with bifid epiglottis has not previously been described. The occurrence of an extra digit is noted to be statistically significant both in the current series and in a review of the literature. A brief review of the embryologic classification and staging by the Carnegie System, and the correlation of the time sequence of development of the epiglottis is presented. No correlation is made as to the mechanism of the origin of this laryngeal anomaly, as adequate embryologic knowledge of the development of the pharynx is not available at this time.