Felinization of the esophagus

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Radiology

Background:

• Transient transverse folds of the esophageal mucosa, known as "felinization," are observed during barium esophagography and endoscopy.
• This finding has been historically considered either a normal variant or associated with reflux esophagitis.
• No specific symptoms have been linked to the presence of felinization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of felinization in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• To assess the correlation of felinization with patient demographics, symptoms, and other endoscopic findings.
• To clarify the clinical significance of felinization in esophageal mucosal evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective visual examination of 280 unselected patients during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• Data collection on patient sex, age, symptom complex, and coexistent endoscopic findings.
• Statistical analysis to identify correlations between felinization and other variables.

Main Results:

• Felinization was identified in 24% of the 280 patients studied.
• No significant correlation was found between felinization and sex, age, or presenting symptoms.
• Felinization did not correlate with common coexistent endoscopic findings.

Conclusions:

• Felinization, characterized by transient transverse esophageal folds, is a common endoscopic finding with a prevalence of 24% in this cohort.
• The study suggests felinization is a normal variant and lacks clinical significance.
• Endoscopists should distinguish felinization from pathological fixed folds indicative of mucosal disease.