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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
The corrugated esophagus, a sign of severe reflux disease: radiographic and endoscopic appearance
1Division of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. low00002@mc.duke.edu
Purpose:
To present the appearance of esophageal scarring resulting in a corrugated configuration seen on barium radiographs and through the endoscope.
Materials And 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).
Conclusion:
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.
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