Linitis plastica carcinoma of the esophagus.

Two patients, 60 and 62 years old, were admitted with progressive dysphagia and weight loss of 8 to 12 weeks duration. Radiographic studies revealed an area of stenosis in the lower third of the esophagus in both cases. Endoscopic and biopsy findings established the diagnosis of a neoplasm, with malignant signet ring cells infiltrating the mucosa. Partial esophagogastrectomy in both cases disclosed an infiltrative adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus, without involvement of the gastroesophageal junction. One of the patients had metastases to regional lymph nodes; the other patient has no clinical evidence of recurrence 14 months after surgery. Endoscopic, radiologic, and pathologic findings are consistent with the diagnosis of linitis plastica of the esophagus.