| Theme |
H.pylori Negative Upper Gastroenterological Diseases; Increasing of Their Incidence in the 21st Century |
| Title |
Pathologic Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus |
| Author |
Kaiyo Takubo |
Human Tissue Research Group, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology |
| Author |
Naoko Honma |
Human Tissue Research Group, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology |
| Author |
Katsuhiko Iwakiri |
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School |
| Author |
Yasuo Tanaka |
Departments of Endoscopy, Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Center |
| Author |
Kenji Kino |
Departments of Endoscopy, Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Center |
| Author |
Motoji Sawabe |
Departments of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Center |
| Author |
Tomio Arai |
Departments of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
The present paper reviews several topics relating to the histopathological diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is considered in Japan to be the lower limit of longitudinal (palisade) vessels which are visible through squamous epithelium in the lower esophageal segment of the esophagus at endoscopy and this definition has been authorized by the Japanese Esophageal Society. The vessels usually also are visible through Barrett's mucosa at endoscopy. Therefore, a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus can be made by endoscopic examination alone. Presence of ducts of esophageal glands proper in biopsy specimens can assist in the histological diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. Pancreatic metaplasia and ciliated epithelium in the EGJ are discussed in relation to Barrett's esophagus. |