Detection of paraesophageal varices by plain films.

Plain-film findings of paraesophageal varices were investigated in 352 patients with portal hypertension. Paraesophageal varices were suggested on routine chest films in 17 cases (4.8%) and on Bucky films in 30 cases (8.3%). Plain-film findings included posterior mediastinal mass shadows, obliteration of the descending aorta, and mass density adjacent to the descending aorta appearing to be intraparenchymal (lesions in the inferior pulmonary ligament). The importance of close observation of subtle findings on plain chest films is stressed.