The corrugated esophagus, a sign of severe reflux disease: radiographic and endoscopic appearance.
OBJECTIVE
To present the appearance of esophageal scarring resulting in a corrugated configuration seen on barium radiographs and through the endoscope.


METHODS
Barium radiographs and endoscopic images obtained in 8 patients with a fixed deformity of the esophagus which resulted in a corrugated pattern were retrospectively reviewed. All patients (6 males, 2 females) presented long histories of gastroesophageal reflux disease; they were aged 29-84 (mean 46.0) years. Six patients complained of obstructive symptoms (dysphagia or recurrent food impactions).


RESULTS
All of the lesions occurred in the mid or distal esophagus, with an average length of 11.1 (range 4-22) cm, and an average diameter of 15.4 (range 9-22) mm. Additional findings included hiatal hernia (n = 6), distal esophageal scarring (n = 3), esophageal fold thickening (n = 1) and intramural pseudodiverticula (n = 1).


CONCLUSIONS
The finding of a corrugated pattern of the esophagus is suggestive of chronic severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. The reduction in esophageal caliber as a consequence often leads to symptomatic dysphagia.
Low
V H
VH
Division of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. low00002@mc.duke.edu
O'Connor
J B
JB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate