Incidentally Found Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum During Thyroidectomy: A Case Report

Abstract

The aim of this case study is to demonstrate the very rare coincidental existence and management of a Killian-Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) during thyroid surgery. A 57-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a malignant thyroid nodule and the complaint of a sore throat. There were no suspicions concerning a diverticulum on examining her with flexible laryngoscopy or ultrasound imaging. During the right central neck dissection, we noticed a 3 × 3 cm KJD and resected it while preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve. After the successful operation, we questioned the patient and learned that for 1 year she had an occasional complaint of dysphagia. Postoperatively, there was no vocal cord palsy or hypocalcemia, and there was no pharyngoesophageal leak after oral alimentation. There was no recurrence or complaint for KJD or papillary carcinoma for 8 years follow-up. Nonspecific symptoms like a sore throat should be investigated, and patients should be questioned for all aerodigestive symptoms. If necessary, further investigation should be undertaken for a differential diagnosis.

Killian Jamieson Diverticulum, the Great Mimicker: A Case Series and Contemporary Review

“…Given the low prevalence of persons with KJD, most of the current literature is found in case reports 15–17 . A systematic review by Haddad et al included 59 case reports and 68 patients 18 .…”

“…Given the low prevalence of persons with KJD, most of the current literature is found in case reports. [15][16][17] A systematic review by Haddad et al included 59 case reports and 68 patients. 18 According to Haddad et al 35% were diagnosed with KJD during the workup of a thyroid nodule and/or presenting with dysphagia, suspected thyroid nodule, and globus.…”