Transient intraluminal diverticulum of the esophagus: a significant flow artifact.

Esophagography in 12 patients showed a characteristic oval- to oblong-shaped barium collection surrounded by a thin radiolucent margin. The collection closely resembled an intraluminal diverticulum. Twelve patients demonstrated these findings, 6 on single-contrast and 6 on double-contrast examinations. These findings were not reproducible on repeat barium swallows, and endoscopy failed to demonstrate an intraluminal diverticulum. Nine of the patients underwent esophagectomy and esophageal substitution. Pathologic examination of the gross specimen did not reveal evidence of intraluminal diverticula. The association of this radiologic appearance in patients with moderately severe motility disorder of the esophagus is emphasized.