(Left) Graphic shows a long stricture of the esophagus and ulceration of the mucosa. The stomach is pulled up into the chest due to foreshortening of the esophagus by fibrosis &/or spasm.
(Right) Spot film from a barium esophagram in a patient with chronic stricture from caustic ingestion shows a shortened and strictured esophagus, with the proximal stomach pulled into the chest. This stricture has been treated repeatedly by balloon dilation, and the patient has not required surgery.
(Left) Axial CECT of a patient 2 hours after caustic ingestion shows marked thickening of the esophageal wall and bilateral aspiration pneumonitis.
(Right) Axial CECT in the same patient shows marked thickening of the gastric wall with submucosal edema , indicating corrosive gastritis.
TERMINOLOGY
Synonyms
• Corrosive esophagitis
Definitions
• Esophageal injury due to ingestion of strong alkali or acid
IMAGING
General Features
• Best diagnostic clue
Long stricture ± diffuse ulceration of esophagus
• Location
• Morphology
Radiographic Findings
• Chest PA and lateral views (acute)
Dilated, gas-filled esophagus
May show aspiration pneumonitis
Esophageal perforation
– Pneumomediastinum, pleural effusion
• Fluoroscopic: Esophagram
Stage 1: Acute severe phase (1-4 days)
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from caustic ingestion shows a shortened and strictured esophagus, with the proximal stomach 
pulled into the chest. This stricture has been treated repeatedly by balloon dilation, and the patient has not required surgery.
and bilateral aspiration pneumonitis.
, indicating corrosive gastritis.
