Familial Zenker's diverticulum.
CONCLUSIONS
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.


OBJECTIVE
To study the inheritance of Zenker's diverticulum.


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.
Klockars
Tuomas
T
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland. tuomas.klockars@fimnet.fi
Sihvo
Eero
E
Mäkitie
Antti
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D040582:Inheritance Patterns / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*