Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2009 Oct;39(4):185-198.

Barrett's Esophagus-With Emphasis on Endoscopic Disgnosis

• Lee JH

Abstract

Barrett's esophagus is a metaplastic change of the esophageal mucosa, such that the normal squamous epithelium is replaced by specialized columnar epithelium. During the last decades, there has been a significant change in the definition, endoscopic diagnosis, pathologic diagnosis, surveillance and management of Barrett's esophagus. Because of the rising prevalence of gastroesophgeal reflux disease in Korea, problems related to Barrett's esophagus are expected to be much more common in the near future. In this review, methods of endoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus are discussed in detail. Management strategies in the context of Korean epidemiology are also suggested.

Keyword

Barrett's esophagus; Endoscopic diagnosis; Surveillance; Management

MeSH Terms

Barrett Esophagus
Epithelium
Korea
Mucous Membrane
Prevalence