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How do you know if your z-line is normal?
Just had an endoscopy and the report said that the Z-line was noted at 32 centimeters. I googled and found a lot of information about z-line (delineation of stomach/esophagus tissues) at 40 or 42 centimeters being normal. Does anyone know if a z-line of 32 cm for someone who is five feet tall is normal or not? The notes said that a large size hiatal hernia displaces the gastroesophageal junction to 32 cm from the incisors, so I am thinking maybe it's not normal? And if not, what does that mean health-wise?
I thought I'd try here first since my doctor isn't available for a few days due to the holiday.
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Hi There:
I am a medical transcriptionist and type these endoscopy reports daily. That IS INDEED NORMAL. It is 32 cm from the incisors because you are 5 feet tall so the distance from your incisors to the Z line would be shorter than a person who, for example, is 5 feet 8 inches. That "normal value" you found is for "average height" people. If the Z-line was not normal they would say it is "irregular" That is usually due to a hiatal hernia but even then you could have a small asymptomatic hiatal hernia causing an "irregular" Z-line and it might be clinically insignificant. So do not worry about it - 32 cm is just how long the distance is from your incisors to the Z-line. its less due to your height
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2 ReactionsI am wondering then what LA grade B Reflux esophagitis with no bleeding and an irregular z line indicates. My understanding is a hiatal hernia and inflamed tissue caused by acid reflux. I am not sure if this is correct.
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1 ReactionThank you! I was hoping that was the answer. I do have a hiatal hernia so I was concerned that condition would mean something else was wrong. Now I can cross one more worry off my list. Blessings!
I DIDN'T want you worrying unnecessarily over the long weekend 🙂
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2 ReactionsParrot53, not sure but doesn’t look like you got an answer… I have the same question!
You are right. No answer. Have to ask docs.
I had an endoscopy done myself I was told I have a less than 5cm small sliding hernia the z line is 38cms, I’m 5ft 8, the consultant wrote to me saying its a non significant incidental finding which isn’t a hernia in the true sense, I’m abit confused what he means, do I have a hernia or not is the 38cm z line just normal because of my height and it isn’t actually anything to worry about?, thank you
yes - the Z line is 38 cm from your incisors which is normal. The sliding hiatal hernia is a separate issue. I do not know what size the sliding hiatal hernia needs to be to be of concern. You need to check with your doctor regarding that. I guess if you are not symptomatic don't worry about it. However, if you have acid reflux etc it may possibly be due to the hernia and you should check with your GI doc.
Thanks for the reply I appreciate it, the reason I had the endoscopy done was due to abdominal pain no acid reflux just stomach cramps, they said I have moderate gastritis I think the small hernia was just found incidentally, I don’t believe the small hernia is the culprit of the gastritis though I’m thinking it may be due to a potential food intolerance, have you known a hernia to cause gastritis?
no hernia does not cause gastritis - completely separate issue.