Mega-aeroesophagus in children. A sign of gastroesophageal reflux

Mega-aeroesophagus or massive pheumoesophagus, visible on plain chest radiographs of children, almost invariably is associated with gastroesophageal reflux. The finding is especially common in children with cerebral palsy and/or mental retardation. Occasionally, it is seen on a transient basis in severely ill or moribund patients, but even in these cases, it is usually due to gastroesophageal reflux. Only rarely is mega-aeroesophagus seen with other problems such as distal esophageal obstruction or acute lye burns.