Cineradiography of the esophagus and esophagoscopy were performed on 76 patients with clinically suspected esophageal varices. Varices were diagnosed cineradiographically in 67 patients. In comparing the radiological and endoscopic findings, there was an 85% agreement as to the presence or absence of varices. The 15% disagreement occurred almost entirely within the group with very small varices. Considerable disagreement arose in judging the size of the varices. Abnormal dilatation and lack of peristalsis of the esophagus were found in almost two thirds of the patients. There was a direct relationship between the degree of the dynamic change and the size of the varices. Dilatation and lack of peristalsis of the esophagus in a cirrhotic patient should suggest the likelihood of varices, even though the same findings may interfere with the demonstration of varices.