Esophageal Roentgenographic “Abnormalities” in Patients without Esophageal Symptoms

Esophageal roentgenographic studies were done on 100 persons with no esophageal symptoms to determine the range of normal anatomy and motor activity. Sixty-three persons had at least one “abnormality.” Fifty-eight had an hiatal hernia, 42 had rings of one sort or another, and 21 had motor disorders. The high incidence of rings which can be demonstrated by maximal distention of the lower esophagus is of special interest in view of the recent additions to knowledge of the anatomy of this area. The range of what should be considered normal roentgenographically should be widened, and the physician should interpret with caution reports of esophageal abnormalities in asymptomatic persons.