The Corrugated Esophagus, a Sign of Severe Reflux Disease: Radiographic and Endoscopic Appearance

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.