Corkscrew sign (diffuse esophageal spasm)

Last revised by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad on 4 Dec 2023

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Bell D, Niknejad M, Corkscrew sign (diffuse esophageal spasm). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 06 Dec 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-95764

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-95764

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/95764

rID:

95764

Article created:

14 Dec 2021, Daniel J Bell ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Daniel J Bell had no recorded disclosures.

View Daniel J Bell's current disclosures

Last revised:

4 Dec 2023, Mohammad Taghi Niknejad ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Mohammad Taghi Niknejad had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Mohammad Taghi Niknejad's current disclosures

Revisions:

4 times, by 2 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Gastrointestinal

Sections:

Signs

Synonyms:

Rosary bead oesophagus

A corkscrew esophagus, also known as a rosary bead esophagus, is a classic appearance of distal esophageal spasm on a barium swallow. It is actually quite a rare appearance which is seen in <5% cases of distal esophageal spasm. The finding is caused by multiple tertiary (non-propulsive) contractions interrupting the normal peristalsis.