Familial Zenker's diverticulum.

CONCLUSION

The aetiology of Zenker's diverticulum is likely to be multifactorial. The geographical and racial variation in the prevalence and the rare familial cases suggest that genetic predisposition might have a role in the pathogenesis. The mode of inheritance in the rare possible familial cases seems to be autosomal dominant; recessive inheritance is non-existent or extremely rare.

OBJECTIVES

To study the inheritance of Zenker's diverticulum.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

A detailed questionnaire concerning physical health and family history was sent to 122 patients with Zenker's diverticulum.

RESULTS

The prevalence of familial disease in Finland was found to be < 2%. We found no evidence for genetic founder effect.