Oesophageal webs refer to an oesophageal constriction caused by a thin mucosal membrane projecting into the lumen.

Epidemiology - Oesophageal webs tend to affected middle aged females

Pathology:

More commonly occur in the cervical oesophagus near cricopharyngeus muscle than in the thoracic oesophagus. They typically arise from the anterior wall and never from the posterior wall; they can also be circumferential

Associations:

• Plummer-vinson syndrome (oesophageal web, dysphagia and iron deficiency anaemia)
• GORD
• Graft vs host disease

PC

Usually asymptomatic - finding may be incidental and unimportant

If stenosis is severe:

• Intermittent solid food dysphagia, aspiration, regurgitation

Investigations

Barium swallow - Proximal dilatation with jet effect of contrast passing distal to web

OGD - Appearance of web

Management

Oesophageal baloon dilation via endoscopy

Complications