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Updated: May 27, 2026
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Patch Angioplasty in the Rat Aorta or Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: February 27, 2017
Esophageal inlet patch
1Radiology Residency Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
Radiology Research and Practice
|November 18, 2011
Summary
An inlet patch is a congenital anomaly where gastric tissue is found in the esophagus. While often asymptomatic, it can cause issues like esophagitis, requiring diagnosis via imaging and biopsy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Congenital Anomalies
- Esophageal Pathology
Background:
- An inlet patch is a congenital anomaly characterized by ectopic gastric mucosa near the upper esophageal sphincter.
- While frequently asymptomatic, it can lead to acid-related complications such as esophagitis, ulcers, webs, and strictures.
Observation:
- Barium swallow typically reveals two small indentations on the esophageal wall, suggesting an inlet patch.
- Endoscopic examination shows a distinct salmon-colored, velvety lesion, differing from normal esophageal tissue.
- Histopathology confirms the diagnosis by identifying gastric mucosa adjacent to esophageal mucosa.
Findings:
- Inlet patches are diagnosed using a combination of barium swallow, endoscopy with biopsy, and histopathology.
- The characteristic endoscopic appearance is a salmon-colored, velvety lesion with prominent margins.
- Radiological findings of indentations correlate with endoscopic and histopathological observations.
Implications:
- Asymptomatic inlet patches require no treatment.
- Symptomatic cases are managed with proton pump inhibitors to control acid secretion.
- Complications like strictures and webs necessitate serial dilatation and biopsy to exclude malignancy.
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