Definitions
Diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus, also known as Barrett’s mucosa, is by two means,
endoscopic and histologic. Endoscopically, the condition is defined as a columnar
epithelium that extends above the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ); histologically,
it is defined by the presence of a specialized intestinal metaplasia.
Barrett’s esophagus is classified into three types according to its length:
Long-segment Barrett’s esophagus: when the distance between the GEJ and the
squamocolumnar epithelial line (Z-line) is more than 3 cm long.
Short-segment Barrett’s esophagus: when the distance between the GEJ and the
Z-line is from 5 mm to 3 cm long. It may be circular like a sleeve or segmented
into tongue(s).
Ultra-short-segment Barrett’s esophagus: when the distance between the GEJ and
the Z-line is less than 5 mm long. This entity cannot be diagnosed endoscopically
since it cannot be distinguished from the cardial intestinal metaplasia.
Endoscopic technique
The GEJ must be carefully examined in every patient undergoing gastroscopy for
whatever indication and even in the absence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD). This examination must be performed while the endoscope is on the
way down. Using insufflation, all the time needed must be taken in order to examine
the cardia in its closed and open positions. The endoscope must be positioned
a few centimeters above the GEJ, which is located at the most proximal extent
of the gastric folds or at the distal extent of the palisade vessels. The Z-line
must also be examined along its entire length.
In cases of severe esophagitis, treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) must
be started and follow-up endoscopy performed 6 - 8 weeks later. If possible during
the first endoscopy, the biopsies should be taken according to the protocol described
in [Table 1
Table 1 Monitoring protocol
No dysplasia
Short-segment BE (< 3 cm): endoscopy + biopsies every 5 years
Low-grade dysplasia
Double-dose PPI treatment for 2 months
High-grade dysplasia
Double-dose PPI treatment for 1 - 2 months
BE, Barrett’s esophagus; PPI, proton pump inhibitor.
Dyes that stain intestinal metaplasia, such as methylene blue, are not required
for the diagnosis of short- and long-segment Barrett’s esophagus.
The endoscopy report must contain:
Information about the location of the anatomical landmarks in relation to the
dentate arch:
Information about the length and width of any identified tongue and the length
of the circular Barrett’s esophagus. The Prague classification (CM) is recommended
for characterization of Barrett’s esophagus.
Information about the height of any associated hiatal hernia.
Biopsy protocol (using standard biopsy forceps)
In cases of circular long-segment Barrett’s esophagus:
In cases of short-segment Barrett’s esophagus or tongues: Two to four biopsies
must be obtained every 1 cm starting from the GEJ. If any indentation of the
Z-line is identified, it must be biopsied if its length is greater than 5 mm.
The SFED recommends indicating the site of each biopsy on a drawing (SFED planimeter,
[Fig. 1
In cases of low-grade or high-grade dysplasia, a second histological examination
must be performed by a different and independent pathologist.
Chromoscopy with acetic acid, with or without new imaging methods (magnification,
narrow band imaging or Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy - Fujinon Co., Omiya,
Japan), may help to direct biopsies of high-grade dysplastic or carcinomatous
areas, but cannot replace systematic random biopsies, as described above.
Systematic biopsies of the GEJ for the detection of ultra-short Barrett’s esophagus
or cardial intestinal metaplasia are not recommended so far.
Fig. 1 SFED planimeter for the recording of site and extent of Barrett’s esophagus at
endoscopy.
Competing interests: None
