What is a common cause of traction diverticulum?

A traction diverticulum commonly occurs as a result of fibrous adhesions that form due to infections. These adhesions can develop in the context of inflammation or infection within the thoracic cavity, particularly associated with conditions like tuberculosis. The presence of these adhesions pulls the esophagus or other hollow organs, leading to the formation of diverticula as a consequence of the mechanical tension exerted on the organ wall.

This mechanism distinctly characterizes traction diverticula, in contrast to other diverticula, which may arise from a variety of different underlying factors such as congenital anomalies, genetic predispositions, or dietary influences. However, the formation of traction diverticula specifically highlights the role of scar tissue and fibrosis from prior infections, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pathological processes behind diverticular disease.