Barrett's esophagus: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Barrett's esophagus | |||
| image = [[File:Barretts_esophagus.jpg|left|thumb|Barrett's esophagus as seen on endoscopy]] | |||
| caption = Barrett's esophagus as seen on endoscopy | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| synonyms = Barrett's syndrome, columnar epithelium lined lower esophagus (CELLO) | |||
| symptoms = [[Heartburn]], [[regurgitation]], [[dysphagia]] | |||
| complications = [[Esophageal adenocarcinoma]] | |||
| onset = Typically in adults over 50 | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[obesity]], [[male]] gender, [[Caucasian]] ethnicity | |||
| diagnosis = [[Endoscopy]] with [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Esophagitis]], [[esophageal stricture]] | |||
| prevention = Managing GERD, lifestyle changes | |||
| treatment = [[Proton pump inhibitors]], [[endoscopic surveillance]], [[esophagectomy]] in severe cases | |||
| prognosis = Variable; risk of cancer | |||
| frequency = Affects 1.6% to 6.8% of adults | |||
}} | |||
'''Barrett's esophagus''' is a condition in which the cells of the esophageal lining undergo metaplastic change and resemble cells found in the intestines. This condition is typically caused by chronic [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD), in which stomach contents frequently back up into the esophagus, irritating and damaging the esophageal lining. | '''Barrett's esophagus''' is a condition in which the cells of the esophageal lining undergo metaplastic change and resemble cells found in the intestines. This condition is typically caused by chronic [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD), in which stomach contents frequently back up into the esophagus, irritating and damaging the esophageal lining. | ||
[[File:Histopathology of Barrett's esophagus, annotated.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of Barrett's esophagus, annotated]] | [[File:Histopathology of Barrett's esophagus, annotated.jpg|left|thumb|Histopathology of Barrett's esophagus, annotated]] | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The underlying cause of Barrett's esophagus is thought to be an adaptation to chronic acid exposure from reflux esophagitis. Damaged squamous cells are replaced by columnar cells better suited to handle an acidic environment. | The underlying cause of Barrett's esophagus is thought to be an adaptation to chronic acid exposure from reflux esophagitis. Damaged squamous cells are replaced by columnar cells better suited to handle an acidic environment. | ||
[[File:Barrett's mucosa, higher magnification, Alcian blue stain .jpg|thumb|Barrett's mucosa, higher magnification, Alcian blue stain ]] | [[File:Barrett's mucosa, higher magnification, Alcian blue stain .jpg|left|thumb|Barrett's mucosa, higher magnification, Alcian blue stain ]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed using [[endoscopy]] to directly visualize the esophagus, and [[biopsy]] to examine the cells under a microscope. | Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed using [[endoscopy]] to directly visualize the esophagus, and [[biopsy]] to examine the cells under a microscope. | ||
Latest revision as of 18:26, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Barrett's esophagus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Barrett's syndrome, columnar epithelium lined lower esophagus (CELLO) |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia |
| Complications | Esophageal adenocarcinoma |
| Onset | Typically in adults over 50 |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) |
| Risks | Smoking, obesity, male gender, Caucasian ethnicity |
| Diagnosis | Endoscopy with biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Esophagitis, esophageal stricture |
| Prevention | Managing GERD, lifestyle changes |
| Treatment | Proton pump inhibitors, endoscopic surveillance, esophagectomy in severe cases |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable; risk of cancer |
| Frequency | Affects 1.6% to 6.8% of adults |
| Deaths | N/A |
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the cells of the esophageal lining undergo metaplastic change and resemble cells found in the intestines. This condition is typically caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach contents frequently back up into the esophagus, irritating and damaging the esophageal lining.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The underlying cause of Barrett's esophagus is thought to be an adaptation to chronic acid exposure from reflux esophagitis. Damaged squamous cells are replaced by columnar cells better suited to handle an acidic environment.
Diagnosis[edit]
Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed using endoscopy to directly visualize the esophagus, and biopsy to examine the cells under a microscope.
Symptoms[edit]
Many individuals with Barrett's esophagus have no symptoms. Those who do have symptoms typically have long-standing GERD, with symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment[edit]
The goal of treatment in Barrett's esophagus is to relieve symptoms of GERD, prevent further damage by reducing stomach acid, and monitor for precancerous changes.
- Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to decrease the production of stomach acid.
- Endoscopic procedures: These can be used to destroy the Barrett's tissue, promoting the growth of normal esophageal cells.
- Surgery: In severe cases, or when precancerous cells are found, part of the esophagus may be removed.
Prognosis[edit]
Patients with Barrett's esophagus have an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. Regular surveillance through endoscopy and biopsy is often recommended.
See Also[edit]
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