CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COLUMNAR-CELL LINED (BARRETTS) ESOPHAGUS

During a 6-month period, endoscopy in 203 patients established a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus in 8 (4%). Esophagitis was present in the squamous-lined segment of the esophagus in 7 of these patients. Three patients had strictures, and 3 had esophageal ulcers, 2 of which were in the columnar segment distal to the squamocolumnar junction. During endoscopic examination an iodine-containing solution was instilled to better define the areas of squamous epithelium. This technique revealed islands of squamous epithelium in the columnar segment in 2 patients which were not visible before dye instillation. In the 2 patients with ulcers in the columnar segment, squamous epithelium was identified at the ulcer edge. By manometry, lower esophageal sphincter pressure was decreased in 6 patients and motility in the body of the esophagus was abnormal in 6. Acid perfusion tests were positive in 3 of 5 patients. Acid reflux and acid clearing were abnormal in all patients tested. © 1979, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. All rights reserved.