Intraluminal diverticulum of the esophagus.

Two patients with intraluminal esophageal diverticulum are described and illustrated. Both had chronic esophagitis. One had a distal esophageal stricture, while the other showed persistent retrograde gastroesophageal reflux following hiatal hernia repair. Possible causes are considered, based on the presumption of intermittently or chronically increased intraluminal pressure associated with an area of congenital or acquired weakness of the esophageal wall.