The case described is reported because it is the first of its kind that I have seen in the course of more than 10,000 examinations of the gastro-intestinal tract.
T. O., aged 44, complained of knifelike pain in the left upper quadrant, which occurred an hour or two after meals. The condition had lasted four months. There was no radiation, vomiting or food relief. He had lost 20 pounds (9 Kg.). Physical examination, except for tenderness in the left upper quadrant, was negative. Nothing in the clinical examination suggested an esophageal disorder.
The sacculations of the esophagus in the accompanying illustration were noted in the course of a routine roentgenographic examination of the gastro-intestinal tract. The remainder of the alimentary canal was normal.
For a number of weeks since the examination, the patient has been entirely symptom free.
The esophageal condition does not appear to have any relation to his