FELINIZATION OF THE ESOPHAGUS

Transient transverse folds of the esophageal mucosa as seen by barium esophagography and on endoscopic examination have been termed ''felini zation.'' This finding has been considered a normal variant or has bee n associated with reflux esophagitis. No symptoms have been associated with its presence. In 280 unselected patients undergoing upper gastro intestinal endoscopy in our clinic, felinization was identified in 24% by prospective visual examination. It was not correlated with sex, ag e, symptom complex, or common coexistent endoscopic findings. These tr ansverse esophageal folds, although visually interesting, appear to ha ve no clinical significance. The endoscopist should recognize and diff erentiate them from fixed or persistent folds that can be associated w ith mucosal disease.