Elevated Z line: a new sign of Barrett's esophagus on double-contrast barium esophagograms

Abstract

We describe an elevated Z line as a new radiographic sign of Barrett's esophagus characterized by a transversely oriented, zigzagging, barium-etched line extending completely across the circumference of the midesophagus. An elevated Z line is rarely seen in other patients, so this finding should be highly suggestive of Barrett's esophagus on double-contrast barium esophagograms. If the patient is a potential candidate for surveillance, endoscopy and biopsy should be performed to confirm the presence of Barrett's esophagus.

Keywords: Barium esophagography; Barrett’s esophagus; Columnar-lined esophagus; Elevated Z line.