Webs of the lower esophagus: a complication of gastroesophageal reflux?

Seven patients with webs within 6 cm of the gastroesophageal junction were identified from 5109 barium studies of the esophagus covering a 10-year period (incidence, 0.14%). These webs were clearly distinct from the B-ring at the gastroesophageal junction itself. Demographic, social, and clinical factors for these patients are reviewed and compared with those of 26 cervical-web patients diagnosed in the same 10-year period, 26 control thoracic esophagogram patients and 26 control cervical esophagogram patients. Five of the seven patients with lower esophageal webs had gastroesophageal reflux.