title: Focal spiculation of the upper thoracic esophagus: normal variant at double-contrast esophagography.
abstract: A review of 100 routine biphasic upper gastrointestinal examinations revealed focal spiculation of the upper thoracic esophagus as a transient finding in 11 patients (11%) who otherwise had no clinical or radiographic signs of esophageal disease. All 11 patients had remarkably similar findings, with thin (1-2 mm wide), transverse folds or striations above the level of the aortic arch, producing a spiculated or serrated appearance in profile. This focal spiculation should be considered a normal variant in the esophagus on double-contrast radiographs. It is suspected that this phenomenon is related to weakening of peristalsis or localized contraction of the longitudinally oriented muscularis mucosae at the junction of the striated- and smooth-muscle portions of the esophagus. Whatever the explanation, radiologists should be familiar with this finding, so that it is not mistaken for a focal area of esophagitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Laufer
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Rubesin
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Herlinger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media