Large hiatal hernia with floppy fundus: clinical and radiographic findings.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and barium radiographic findings for 17 patients with large hiatal hernias and a floppy fundus with those for 61 patients with large hiatal hernias but no floppy fundus. Patients with large hiatal hernias can develop a floppy fundus, which has a characteristic appearance on barium studies because it droops below the most superior portion of the herniated gastric body. Distortion of the gastric anatomy in patients with this type of hernia can cause mechanical symptoms that usually resolve after surgical repair of the hernia. Radiologists should be aware of the barium radiographic findings associated with a floppy fundus and of the potential role of surgery in the treatment of patients with symptoms.