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Esophageal wall thickening: a CT finding in diffuse esophageal spasm
M Nino-Murcia1, P Stark, G Triadafilopoulos
1Radiology Service, Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, CA 94304, USA.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) can cause esophageal wall thickening found incidentally on CT scans. This benign condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis for such findings.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Esophageal wall thickening on CT can indicate various pathologies.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with incidental CT findings of esophageal wall thickening.
- The thickening was smooth, symmetric, and circumferential in the distal esophagus.
- Periesophageal fat remained normal, and no signs of aspiration were evident.
Findings:
- Further evaluation confirmed diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) in all three patients.
- DES is an uncommon but important consideration for esophageal wall thickening.
- CT findings can aid in diagnosing DES.
Implications:
- Broadens the differential diagnosis for esophageal wall thickening on CT.
- Highlights the role of CT in identifying uncommon esophageal motility disorders.
- Emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation of incidental CT findings.