Clinical Gastroenterology Vol.22 No.1(1)

Theme Barrett's Esophagus
Title Historical and Current Concepts Concerning Barrett's Esophagus
Publish Date 2007/01
Author Tatsuyuki Kawano Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
Author Kazuo Ogiya Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
Author Shigeo Haruki Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
Author Koji Tanaka Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
Author Kenro Kawada Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
Author Yasuaki Nakajima Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
Author Tetsuro Nishikage Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
Author Kagami Nagai Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital
[ Summary ] Norman Barrett originally described two special conditions, namely a congenital short esophagus with an intrathoracic gastric columnar lining and congenitally gastric heterotropia in those esophagus with ulceration. Later those conditions were termed “Barrett”. This is an acquired condition with esophageal columnar metaplasia following chronic gastro-esophageal reflux. Typical cases of Barrett's esophagus are defined as those having circumferential columnar metaplasia with minimal spreading (3 cm or more) from the esophago-gastric junction because precise recognition of EGJ is difficult. Recently, from the view point of adeno-carcinogenesis of the esophagus, the term and concept of the short-segment Barrett's esophagus as a developing condition of the classical Barrett's esophagus and the confirmation of intestinal metaplasia have been required. However, the definition of Barrett's esophagus is still controversial.
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