Barrett's esophagus other diagnostic studies

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Other Diagnostic Studies

Esophago-gastroduodenoscopy

• Because barrett’s esophagus does not cause any symptoms, many physicians recommend that adults older than 40 who have had GERD for a number of years undergo an endoscopy and biopsies to check for the condition.
• Barrett’s esophagus can only be diagnosed using an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy to obtain biopsies of the esophagus. In an upper GI endoscopy, after the patient is sedated, the doctor inserts a flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a light and a miniature camera, into the esophagus. If the tissue appears suspicious, the doctor removes several small pieces using a pincher-like device that is passed through the endoscope. A pathologist examines the tissue with a microscope to determine the diagnosis.
• The typical appearance is that of salmon pink segments of columnar epithelium extending above the GE (gastroenterology) junction, into the whitish squamous epithelium that is typically present in the distal esophagus. This can be seen on EGD (esophago-gastroduodenoscopy) in ~ 1 % of all patients, but in up to 20 % of those with symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Although the diagnosis can be presumed during the EGD, it needs to be confirmed by biopsy.