Feline esophagus

Feline esophagus is the benign transient fine circumferential transverse folds that arise during upright double-contrast esophagography or during prone barium swallowing, and is sometimes described as an “esophageal shiver” [1, 2]. The folds are often 1-2 mm wide and may be linear or angular, extending across the entire esophageal lumen [3], lasting seconds to minutes. The term “feline” stems from the similarity in appearance to the distal esophagus of a cat. The finding in cats has been attributed to the contraction of the longitudinal arrangement of the muscularis mucosae, and suggests a similar pathophysiology in humans [1]. Case reports of feline esophagitis have been described in both children and adults [4].

Individuals found to have feline esophagus often have associated gastroesophageal reflux disease [2]. More recently the finding has been linked to eosinophilic esophagitis or chronic esophagitis [5]. Clinically, those with the finding of feline esophagus and eosinophilic esophagitis may also be at an increased risk of perforation from endoscopic procedures [6]. The differential diagnosis of feline esophagus may include scarring related to reflux esophagitis. These scars are typically thick, transverse folds that do not extend beyond more than 50% of the esophageal lumen and are also more irregular [1,2].

No studies have shown that feline esophagus, if found, is a prognostic indicator to an associated underlying disease. Moreover, the benign nature of the finding does not typically require further investigation or promote the need for invasive intervention as long as an underlying esophagitis or reflux disease, if associated, is being treated.