Multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus

Multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus are rare. These benign intramural, extramucosal tumors present a sufficiently characteristic appearance during a barium examination to suggest a specific roentgenologic diagnosis. Although leiomyomas may become quite large and cause considerable distortion of the esophageal lumen, they produce surprisingly few symptoms in most patients. Since these tumors have little if any malignant potential, surgical excision is necessary only in patients with significant symptoms. Four patients with leiomyomas of the esophagus are reported here, and the clinical and roentgenologic features of these tumors are reviewed.