Air esophagogram: a frequent observation in goiters.
Air esophagograms have been described in normal individuals and in association with esophageal disease or respiratory distress. In a study of neck radiographs in 160 patients with goiter, air esophagograms were observed in 24 (15%). The continuous irritation of the enlarged thyroid on the trachea is thought to excite intermittent aerophagy, and accounts for the frequent demonstration of air within the esophagus.
D000334:Aerophagy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000388:Air; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006042:Goiter / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography