Question

Spot radiograph from a double contrast esophagram. Image represents:

• A. Esophageal atresia
• B. Esophageal stenosis
• C. Feline oesophagus
• D. Tracheoesophageal fistula

Hint:

Transient fine 1-2 mm transverse circumferential folds in the distal esophagus on barium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: The double-contrast barium image shows numerous fine 1-2 mm radiolucent transverse folds crossing the esophageal lumen in a herringbone pattern. These transient transverse bands define the feline esophagus (oesophageal shiver).
Step 2: The folds run horizontally around the entire circumference of the lumen, measure 1-2 mm thick, and are produced by transient contraction of the muscularis mucosa - the same appearance seen in cats, hence the name.
Step 3: They are confined to the distal two-thirds of the thoracic esophagus, appear following reflux (not during swallowing), and are usually a normal variant though they may be associated with GERD.
Step 4: Why not the others - esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are congenital problems seen in neonates with a blind pouch or contrast leak, and esophageal stenosis shows a fixed narrowing. None produces fine transient transverse folds, so the answer is feline oesophagus.