Barrett's esophagus overview
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Barrett's Esophagus Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Barrett's esophagus overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Barrett's esophagus overview |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Barrett's esophagus overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amresh Kumar MD [2], Hamid Qazi, MD, BSc [3]
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Overview
Barrett's esophagus refers to an abnormal change (metaplasia) in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus thought to be caused by damage from chronic acid exposure, or reflux esophagitis.[1] It is a condition in which any extent of metaplastic columnar epithelium replaces the normal stratified squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus.
Intestinal metaplasia is required for the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.[2]
Historical Perspective
Barrett's esophagus was first discovered by Dr. Norman Barrett, a Australian-born British surgeon at St Thomas' Hospital, in 1957.
Classification
There is no established system for the classification of Barrett's esophagus.
Pathophysiology
Barrett's esophagus is marked by the presence of columnar epithelium in the lower esophagus, replacing the normal squamous cell epithelium; an example of metaplasia. The columnar epithelium is better able to withstand the erosive action of the gastric secretions; however, this metaplasia confers an increased cancer risk of the adenocarcinoma type.
Causes
Barrett's Oesophagus is commonly caused by Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Differentiating ((Page name)) from Other Diseases
Barrett's Oesophagus must be differentiated from esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, and esophageal motor disorders.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Barrett's esophagus can be seen in younger patients, but is most commonly diagnosed in patients ~ 55 years old. The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus is approximately 2000 per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
Risk Factors
The most potent risk factor in the development of Barret's Oesophagus is Chronic GERD. Other risk factors include Age (>older than 50 years), Sex (male), Race (caucasian), hiatal hernia, elevated body mass index and intra-abdominal distribution of body fat.
Screening
Barrett's esophagus is a major risk factor for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. After diagnosis, regular surveillance is needed based on the grade of dysplasia. Weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence: screening in patients with multiple risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma: Age > 50 years old, male, white, chronic GERD, hiatal hernia, elevated BMI (body mass index), and intra-abdominal distribution of body fat. Strong recommendation, low-quality evidence against screening general population with GERD and no risk factors.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Common complications of Barrett's esophagus include esophageal carcinoma, esophageal stricture and esophageal ulcers.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Common symptoms of Barrett's esophagus include heart burn, regurgitation, and dysphagia. A positive history of nausea, vomiting, and regurgitation is suggestive of Barrett's esophagus. Other symptoms of Barrett's esophagus include chest pain, cough, and odynophagia.
Physical Examination
Patients with Barrett's esophagus usually appear ill due to the pain. Common physical examination include hoarseness of voice, laryngitis, otitis media, and lung wheezes.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory findings consistent with diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is the presence of acidic reflux in the esophagus through the ambulatory reflux monitoring.
Electrocardiogram
There are no EKG findings associated with Barrett's esophagus. However, EKG can be performed to exclude the cardiac causes of chest pain that can be presented in cases of atypical GERD.
X-ray
There are no x-ray findings associated with Barrett's esophagus.
Ultrasound
There are no echocardiography or ultrasound findings associated with Barrett's esophagus.
CT scan
There are no CT scan findings associated with Barrett's esophagus.
MRI
There are no MRI findings associated with Barrett's esophagus.
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
References
- ↑ Stein H, Siewert J (1993). "Barrett's esophagus: pathogenesis, epidemiology, functional abnormalities, malignant degeneration, and surgical management". Dysphagia. 8 (3): 276–88. PMID 8359051.
- ↑ Spechler SJ, Sharma P, Souza RF, Inadomi JM, Shaheen NJ (2011). "American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement on the management of Barrett's esophagus". Gastroenterology. 140 (3): 1084–91. PMID 21376940. Unknown parameter
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