Cardiac rather than intestinal-type background in endoscopic resection specimens of minute Barrett adenocarcinoma

The Genetics of Barrett's Esophagus: A Familial and Population-Based Perspective

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is intestinal metaplasia of the lower esophagus and a precursor lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Both are important health issues as they have rising incidences in the Western world. Improving the management of BE relies on understanding the underlying biology of this disease, but the exact biological mechanisms have been difficult to determine. BE is generally thought to be an acquired condition that develops secondarily to chronic gastroesophageal reflux. However, multiple reports of familial clustering of patients with BE and/or EAC suggest a possible inherited predisposition to BE may be driving this condition, at least in a subset of patients. Identifying the genetic variants that predispose to BE in these families would open up the possibility for blood-based screening tests that could inform decision-making in regard to surveillance strategies, particularly for relatives of patients with BE and/or EAC. Perhaps more importantly, understanding the genetic mechanisms that predispose to BE may provide valuable insights into the biology of this condition and potentially identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Here we review the current evidence for a genetic predisposition to BE and discuss the potential implications of these findings.

Role of ion transporters in the bile acid-induced esophageal injury

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is considered to be the most severe complication of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the prolonged, repetitive episodes of combined acidic and biliary reflux result in the replacement of the squamous esophageal lining by columnar epithelium. Therefore, the acid-extruding mechanisms of esophageal epithelial cells (EECs) may play an important role in the defense. Our aim was to identify the presence of acid/base transporters on EECs and to investigate the effect of bile acids on their expressions and functions. Human EEC lines (CP-A and CP-D) were acutely exposed to bile acid cocktail (BAC) and the changes in intracellular pH (pHi) and Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) were measured by microfluorometry. mRNA and protein expression of ion transporters was investigated by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We have identified the presence of a Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE), Na(+)/HCO3 (-) cotransporter (NBC), and a Cl(-)-dependent HCO3 (-) secretory mechanism in CP-A and CP-D cells. Acute administration of BAC stimulated HCO3 (-) secretion in both cell lines and the NHE activity in CP-D cells by an inositol triphosphate-dependent calcium release. Chronic administration of BAC to EECs increased the expression of ion transporters compared with nontreated cells. A similar expression pattern was observed in biopsy samples from BE compared with normal epithelium. We have shown that acute administration of bile acids differently alters ion transport mechanisms of EECs, whereas chronic exposure to bile acids increases the expression of acid/base transporters. We speculate that these adaptive processes of EECs represent an important mucosal defense against the bile acid-induced epithelial injury.

Evolution of oesophageal adenocarcinoma from metaplastic columnar epithelium without goblet cells in Barrett's oesophagus

OBJECTIVE

Barrett's oesophagus commonly presents as a patchwork of columnar metaplasia with and without goblet cells in the distal oesophagus. The presence of metaplastic columnar epithelium with goblet cells on oesophageal biopsy is a marker of cancer progression risk, but it is unclear whether clonal expansion and progression in Barrett's oesophagus is exclusive to columnar epithelium with goblet cells.

DESIGN

We developed a novel method to trace the clonal ancestry of an oesophageal adenocarcinoma across an entire Barrett's segment. Clonal expansions in Barrett's mucosa were identified using cytochrome c oxidase enzyme histochemistry. Somatic mutations were identified through mitochondrial DNA sequencing and single gland whole exome sequencing.

RESULTS

By tracing the clonal origin of an oesophageal adenocarcinoma across an entire Barrett's segment through a combination of histopathological spatial mapping and clonal ordering, we find that this cancer developed from a premalignant clonal expansion in non-dysplastic ('cardia-type') columnar metaplasia without goblet cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate the premalignant potential of metaplastic columnar epithelium without goblet cells in the context of Barrett's oesophagus.

Methylation of DAPK and THBS1 genes in esophageal gastric-type columnar metaplasia

AIM: To explore methylation of DAPK, THBS1, CDH-1, and p14 genes, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) status in individuals harboring esophageal columnar metaplasia.

METHODS: Distal esophageal mucosal samples obtained by endoscopy and histologically diagnosed as gastric-type (non-specialized) columnar metaplasia, were studied thoroughly. DNA was extracted from paraffin blocks, and methylation status of death-associated protein kinase (DAPK), thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), cadherin-1 (CDH1), and p14 genes, was examined using a methyl-sensitive polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) and sodium bisulfite modification protocol. H. pylori cagA status was determined by PCR.

RESULTS: In total, 68 subjects (33 females and 35 males), with a mean age of 52 years, were included. H. pylori cagA positive was present in the esophageal gastric-type metaplastic mucosa of 18 individuals. DAPK, THSB1, CDH1, and p14 gene promoters were methylated by MS-PCR in 40 (58.8%), 33 (48.5%), 46 (67.6%), and 23 (33.8%) cases of the 68 esophageal samples. H. pylori status was associated with methylation of DAPK (P = 0.003) and THBS1 (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION: DNA methylation occurs in cases of gastric-type (non-specialized) columnar metaplasia of the esophagus, and this modification is associated with H. pylori cagA positive infection.

Surgical and Molecular Pathology of Barrett Esophagus

BACKGROUND

Patients with Barrett esophagus (BE) are predisposed to developing dysplasia and cancer. Adenocarcinoma, which is associated with BE, is the most common type of esophageal tumor and, typically, it has an aggressive clinical course and a high rate of mortality.

METHODS

The English-language literature relating to tumor epidemiology, etiology, and the pathogenesis of BE was reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS

The role of pathologists in the diagnosis and pitfalls associated with grading Barrett dysplasia is addressed. Current molecular testing for Barrett neoplasia, as well as testing methods currently in development, is discussed, focusing on relevant tests for diagnosing tumor types, determining prognosis, and assessing therapeutic response.

CONCLUSIONS

Grading is essential for developing appropriate treatment plans, follow-up visits, and therapeutic interventions for each patient. Familiarity with current molecular testing methods will help physicians correctly diagnose the disease and select the most appropriate therapy for each of their patients.

Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus: An essential factor to predict the risk of dysplasia and cancer development

BACKGROUND

To date, there is still uncertainty on the role of specialized intestinal metaplasia in the carcinogenic process of Barrett's oesophagus (BE); this fact seems of importance for planning adequate surveillance programs.

AIMS

To predict the risk of progression towards dysplasia/cancer based on typical morphological features by evaluating the importance of intestinal metaplasia in BE patients.

METHODS

647 cases with a histological diagnosis of BE, referred to the Endoscopy Unit of a tertiary centre between 2000 and 2012 were retrospectively identified, and divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of intestinal metaplasia. For each patient, all histological reports performed during a follow-up of 4-8 years were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 537 cases (83%) with intestinal metaplasia and 110 cases (17%) without intestinal metaplasia were included. During the follow-up period, none of the patients without intestinal metaplasia developed dysplasia/cancer nor progressed to metaplasia, whereas 72 patients with intestinal metaplasia (13.4%) showed histological progression of the disease.

CONCLUSION

The histological identification of intestinal metaplasia seems to be an essential factor for the progression towards dysplasia and cancer in BE patients.

Interobserver reproducibility in pathologist interpretation of columnar-lined esophagus

Confirmation of endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM) requires histology, but confusion in the histological definition of columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) is a longstanding problem. The aim of this study is to evaluate interpathologist variability in the interpretation of CLE. Thirty pathologists were invited to review three ten-case sets of CLE biopsies. In the first set, the cases were provided with descriptive endoscopy only; in the second and the third sets, ESEM extent using Prague criteria was provided. Moreover, participants were required to refer to a diagnostic chart for evaluation of the third set. Agreement was statistically assessed using Randolph's free-marginal multirater kappa. While substantial agreement in recognizing columnar epithelium (K = 0.76) was recorded, the overall concordance in clinico-pathological diagnosis was low (K = 0.38). The overall concordance rate improved from the first (K = 0.27) to the second (K = 0.40) and third step (K = 0.46). Agreement was substantial when diagnosing Barrett's esophagus (BE) with intestinal metaplasia or inlet patch (K = 0.65 and K = 0.89), respectively, in the third step, while major problems in interpretation of CLE were observed when only cardia/cardia-oxyntic atrophic-type epithelium was present (K = 0.05-0.29). In conclusion, precise endoscopic description and the use of a diagnostic chart increased consistency in CLE interpretation of esophageal biopsies. Agreement was substantial for some diagnostic categories (BE with intestinal metaplasia and inlet patch) with a well-defined clinical profile. Interpretation of cases with cardia/cardia-oxyntic atrophic-type epithelium, with or without ESEM, was least consistent, which reflects lack of clarity of definition and results in variable management of this entity.

Localization of specialized intestinal metaplasia and the molecular alterations in Barrett esophagus in a Japanese population: an analysis of biopsy samples based on the "Seattle" biopsy protocol

It remains unclear why Barrett esophagus (BE)-associated adenocarcinoma (EAC) frequently occurs in the 0 to 3 o'clock area of the BE. The aims of this study were to clarify the localization of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) as a precancerous lesion and of molecular alterations among different locations using 4-quadrant biopsies based on the "Seattle" protocol. We prospectively evaluated microsatellite instability; methylation status at the APC, CDKN2A, hMLH1, RUNX3, and MGMT genes; the immunoreactivity of the monoclonal antibody Das-1 for the colonic phenotype; and Ki-67 staining in 10 early EACs and 128 biopsy samples from 32 BE patients. Among the molecular changes, only APC gene hypermethylation was an independent predictive marker of EAC (odds ratio, 24.4; P = .01). SIM was more frequently identified in the 0 to 3 o'clock quadrant than in the 6 to 9 o'clock quadrant (P = .08). The Ki-67 index was higher in SIM than in the columnar-lined epithelium (CLE) without goblet cells (P < .0001) and in both SIM and CLE with Das-1 reactivity than in those without (P = .04 and P = .06, respectively). Furthermore, the index was relatively higher in the 0 to 3 o'clock quadrant than in the 6 to 9 o'clock quadrant in cases with Das-1 reactivity. RUNX3 methylation was more frequently found in SIM than in CLE (P = .04), whereas the incidence of the other biomarkers did not show a significant difference between the 0 to 3 o'clock and 6 to 9 o'clock areas, nor between SIM and CLE. SIM with Das-1 reactivity, but not molecular alterations, in the 0 to 3 o'clock quadrant may have higher proliferative activity compared to the other areas of the BE.

Columnar lined Barrett's oesophagus

Over the past few years, the definition of Barrett's oesophagus has altered with no real agreement on histological understanding. This article highlights the increasing confusion regarding Barrett's oesophagus with a focus on the all-too-frequently ignored aspect of the columnar lined oesophagus.

Definition of Barrett's esophagus dysplasia: are we speaking the same language?

The definition of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is still a matter of debate. The diagnostic criteria adopted around the world for both BE and BE-related pre-cancerous lesions are inconsistent, particularly between Eastern and Western pathologists. From a clinical perspective, these different clinico-biological approaches may affect how the literature is interpreted, with detrimental effects on the clinical management of patients. The present review focuses on the major discrepancies in the field, covering both the non-neoplastic and the pre-cancerous lesions associated with Barrett's disease.

Detection and characterization of early malignancy in the esophagus: what is the best management algorithm?

Barrett's esophagus is a known precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Early detection of dysplasia provides a window of opportunity for curative intervention. Several image-enhanced technologies have been developed to improve visualization of neoplasia. These however have not been found to be superior to the standard four quadrant random biopsy protocol. Patients are risk-stratified based on the degree of dysplasia found on biopsies and undergo either surveillance or treatment. Endoscopic therapy has become the mainstay of treatment for early neoplasia.

High Goblet Cell Count Is Inversely Associated with Ploidy Abnormalities and Risk of Adenocarcinoma in Barrett's Esophagus

Purpose

Goblet cells may represent a potentially successful adaptive response to acid and bile by producing a thick mucous barrier that protects against cancer development in Barrett's esophagus (BE). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between goblet cells (GC) and risk of progression to adenocarcinoma, and DNA content flow cytometric abnormalities, in BE patients.

Experimental Design

Baseline mucosal biopsies (N=2988) from 213 patients, 32 of whom developed cancer during the follow up period, enrolled in a prospective dynamic cohort of BE patients were scored in a blinded fashion, for the total number (#) of GC, mean # of GC/crypt (GC density), # of crypts with ≥ 1 GC, and the proportion of crypts with ≥1 GC, in both dysplastic and non-dysplastic epithelium separately. The relationship between these four GC parameters and DNA content flow cytometric abnormalities and adenocarcinoma outcome was compared, after adjustment for age, gender, and BE segment length.

Results

High GC parameters were inversely associated with DNA content flow cytometric abnormalities, such as aneuploidy, ploidy >2.7N, and an elevated 4N fraction > 6%, and with risk of adenocarcinoma. However, a Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the total # of GC and the total # crypts with ≥1 GC were the only significant GC parameters (p<0.001 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

The results of this study show, for the first time, an inverse relationship between high GC counts and flow cytometric abnormalities and risk of adenocarcinoma in BE. Further studies are needed to determine if GC depleted foci within esophageal columnar mucosa are more prone to neoplastic progression or whether loss of GC occurs secondary to underlying genetic abnormalities.

The changing role of the pathologist in the management of Barrett's oesophagus

Pathological specimens from columnar-lined oesophagus (CLO) comprise a considerable proportion of the workload of gastrointestinal pathologists in Western countries. There remain controversies concerning the diagnostic role of pathology. More recently, in the UK at least, the diagnosis has been regarded as primarily an endoscopic endeavour, with pathology being corroborative and only diagnostic when endoscopic features are equivocal or when there are additional features that make the endoscopic diagnosis unclear. There is also recognition that demonstration of intestinalisation or 'goblet cells' is not paramount, and should not be required for the diagnosis. There have been notable changes in the management of CLO neoplasia: pathologists are centrally involved in its management. Pathological assessment of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) specimens provides the most useful means of determining the management of early neoplasia and of determining indications for surgery. This represents an extraordinarily rapid change in management, in that, <10 years ago, laborious Seattle-type biopsy protocols were recommended, and high grade dysplasia was an indication for resectional surgery. Now, individual patient management is paramount: multi-professional meetings determine management after biopsy and EMR assessment. One significant change is that major resections are undertaken less often, in Western countries, for CLO neoplasia.

Two distinct etiologies of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma: interactions among pH, Helicobacter pylori, and bile acids

Gastric cancer can be classified as cardia and non-cardia subtypes according to the anatomic site. Although the gastric cancer incidence has decreased steadily in several countries over the past 50 years, the incidence of cardia cancers and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) continue to increase. The etiological factors involved in the development of both cardia cancers and EACs are associated with high animal fat intake, which causes severe obesity. Central obesity plays roles in cardiac-type mucosa lengthening and partial hiatus hernia development. There are two distinct etiologies of cardia cancer subtypes: one associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which predominantly occurs in patients without Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and resembles EAC, and the other associated with H. pylori atrophic gastritis, which resembles non-cardia cancer. The former can be developed in the environment of high volume duodenal content reflux, including bile acids and a higher acid production in H. pylori-negative patients. N-nitroso compounds, which are generated from the refluxate that includes a large volume of bile acids and are stabilized in the stomach (which has high levels of gastric acid), play a pivotal role in this carcinogenesis. The latter can be associated with the changing colonization of H. pylori from the distal to the proximal stomach with atrophic gastritis because a high concentration of soluble bile acids in an environment of low acid production is likely to act as a bactericide or chemorepellent for H. pylori in the distal stomach. The manuscript introduces new insights in causative factors of adenocarcinoma of the cardia about the role of bile acids in gastro-esophageal refluxate based upon robust evidences supporting interactions among pH, H. pylori, and bile acids.

Expression of SOX9 and CDX2 in nongoblet columnar-lined esophagus predicts the detection of Barrett's esophagus during follow-up

The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus in the United States requires both endoscopically evident columnar-lined esophagus and the presence of goblet cells by histology. Currently, there is no consensus on how patients with nongoblet columnar-lined esophagus should be followed. In this study, we investigated whether biomarkers can be used to predict the detection of goblet cells in follow-up biopsies. Patients with nongoblet columnar-lined esophagus were identified. In 13 of these cases, goblet cells were detected in subsequent follow-up endoscopic biopsies (Barrett's group). Additionally, 26 cases that remained negative for goblet cells in follow-up biopsies served as controls. Immunohistochemistry for CDX2, SOX9, BMP4, SHH, and MUC2 was performed on the initial biopsies and graded independently by at least two pathologists in a masked manner. CDX2 was positive in the nongoblet columnar epithelium of 7/13 cases in the Barrett's group and in 4/26 controls (sensitivity 54%, specificity of 85%, odds ratio (OR) 6.4). Strong and diffuse immunoreactivity for SOX9 was detected in 10/13 cases in the Barrett's group and in 1/26 controls (sensitivity 77%, specificity 96%, OR 83.3). Combining CDX2 and SOX9 as a panel increased sensitivity to 85%, although the specificity decreased to 85% (OR 30.3). SHH, BMP4, and MUC2 expression showed no significant difference between the Barrett's and control groups. In patients with nongoblet columnar-lined esophagus, SOX9 and CDX2 may be useful in identifying a subset of patients who have a higher risk of being diagnosed for Barrett's esophagus (developing goblet cells) and need closer follow-up.

Surgical treatments for esophageal cancers

The following, from the 12th OESO World Conference: Cancers of the Esophagus, includes commentaries on the role of the nurse in preparation of esophageal resection (ER); the management of patients who develop high-grade dysplasia after having undergone Nissen fundoplication; the trajectory of care for the patient with esophageal cancer; the influence of the site of tumor in the choice of treatment; the best location for esophagogastrostomy; management of chylous leak after esophagectomy; the optimal approach to manage thoracic esophageal leak after esophagectomy; the choice for operational approach in surgery of cardioesophageal crossing; the advantages of robot esophagectomy; the place of open esophagectomy; the advantages of esophagectomy compared to definitive chemoradiotherapy; the pathologist report in the resected specimen; the best way to manage patients with unsuspected positive microscopic margin after ER; enhanced recovery after surgery for ER: expedited care protocols; and long-term quality of life in patients following esophagectomy.

Barrett's oesophagus diagnostic criteria: endoscopy and histology

This review summarizes the endoscopic and histologic features of Barrett's oesophagus(BO) as well as some of the recent advancements and controversies. BO represents metaplastic conversion of normal squamous epithelium of tubular oesophagus to columnar epithelium. The diagnosis of BO requires a combination of endoscopic and histopathologic findings. There is worldwide controversy regarding the exact definition of BO, particularly with regard to the requirement to histologically identify goblet cells in biopsies. The presence and detectability of goblet cells might vary depending on a variety of factors and is subject to sampling error. Therefore, a systematic biopsy sampling with sufficient number of biopsies is currently recommended to limit the likelihood of a false negative result for detection of goblet cells. There are both endoscopic and pathologic challenges in evaluating gastro-oesophageal junction biopsies in patients with irregular Z lines to determine the exact location of the sample (i.e., oesophagus versus stomach). Recently, several novel endoscopic techniques have been developed to improve BO detection. However, none have been validated yet in clinical practice. The surveillance of patients with BO relies on histologic evaluation of dysplasia. However, there are significant pathologic limitations and diagnostic variability in evaluating the presence and grading of BO dysplasia, particularly with regard to the more recently recognized non-intestinal types of dysplasia. All BO dysplasia samples should be reviewed by an expert gastrointestinal pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. Finally, it is important to emphasize that close interaction between gastroenterologists and pathologists is essential to ensure proper evaluation of endoscopic biopsies in order to optimize the surveillance and clinical management of patients with BO.

Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus may be an epiphenomenon rather than a preneoplastic condition, and CDX2-positive cardiac-type epithelium is associated with minute Barrett's tumour

AIMS

Although intestinal-type epithelium in Barrett's oesophagus has been traditionally recognized as having a distinct malignant potential, whether this also holds true for cardiac-type epithelium remains controversial. The aim of this study was to identify a type of epithelium that is highly associated with Barrett's tumour.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed tumours and the corresponding background mucosa with special regard to tumour size in 40 cases of superficial Barrett's tumour by using immunohistochemical staining for CDX2, CD10, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6. Intestinal metaplasia in tumour-adjacent mucosa was not associated with tumour size, but was significantly correlated with the extent of Barrett's oesophagus (P < 0.001). The majority (69.2%, 9/13) of small tumours (≤10 mm) had no intestinal metaplasia in adjacent non-neoplastic mucosae. Minute (≤5 mm) tumours were significantly associated with a gastric immunophenotype (P < 0.001). Purely gastric-immunophenotype tumour cells expressed CDX2, and cardiac-type epithelium adjacent to small tumours also showed low-level CDX2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus is an epiphenomenon rather than a preneoplastic condition, and that CDX2-positive cardiac-type epithelium is highly associated with minute Barrett's tumour. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the risk of malignancy of cardiac-type epithelium with regard to sub-morphological intestinalization.

Controversies in Barrett esophagus

Barrett esophagus develops when metaplastic columnar epithelium predisposed to develop adenocarcinoma replaces esophageal squamous epithelium damaged by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although several types of columnar metaplasia have been described in Barrett esophagus, intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells currently is required for a definitive diagnosis in the United States. Studies indicate that the risk of adenocarcinoma for patients with nondysplastic Barrett esophagus is only 0.12% to 0.38% per year, which is substantially lower than previous studies had suggested. Nevertheless, the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma continues to rise at an alarming rate. Regular endoscopic surveillance for dysplasia is the currently recommended cancer prevention strategy for Barrett esophagus, but a high-quality study has found no benefit of surveillance in preventing deaths from esophageal cancer. Medical societies currently recommend endoscopic screening for Barrett esophagus in patients with multiple risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma, including chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, age of 50 years or older, male sex, white race, hiatal hernia, and intra-abdominal body fat distribution. However, because the goal of screening is to identify patients with Barrett esophagus who will benefit from endoscopic surveillance and because such surveillance may not be beneficial, the rationale for screening might be made on the basis of faulty assumptions. Endoscopic ablation of dysplastic Barrett metaplasia has been reported to prevent its progression to cancer, but the efficacy of endoscopic eradication of nondysplastic Barrett metaplasia as a cancer preventive procedure is highly questionable. This review discusses some of these controversies that affect the physicians and surgeons who treat patients with Barrett esophagus. Studies relevant to controversial issues in Barrett esophagus were identified using PubMed and relevant search terms, including Barrett esophagus, ablation, dysplasia, radiofrequency ablation, and endoscopic mucosal resection.

Endoscopic diagnosis of early Barrett's neoplasia: perspectives for advanced endoscopic technology

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic condition that occurs secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease. BE is also a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma, which, although still rare in Japan, is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Western countries. However, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease has increased significantly over the past few decades in Japan, possibly leading to an incremental rise in BE and the associated inherent risk of adenocarcinoma. Given the poor prognosis of advanced-stage Barrett's adenocarcinoma, endoscopic surveillance is recommended for subjects with BE to detect early neoplasias including dysplasia. However, endoscopic identification of dysplastic lesions is still not sufficiently reliable or subjective, making targeted therapy extremely difficult. Over the past few years, improvements in image resolution, image processing software, and optical filter technology have enabled identification of dysplasia and early cancer in BE patients. We retrieved as many studies on advanced endoscopic technologies in BE as possible from MEDLINE and PubMed. The present review focuses on the emergent clinically available technologies to provide an overview of the technologies, their practical applicability, current status, and future challenges.

Cardiac mucosa at the gastro-oesophageal junction: indicator of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease? Data from a prospective central European multicentre study on histological and endoscopic diagnosis of oesophagitis (histoGERD trial)

AIMS

The origin and significance of cardiac mucosa at the gastro-oesophageal junction are controversial. In the prospective Central European multicentre histoGERD trial, we aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiac mucosa, characterized by the presence of glands composed of mucous cells without parietal cells, and to relate its presence to features related to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

One thousand and seventy-one individuals (576 females and 495 males; median age 53 years) were available for analysis. Overall, in biopsy specimens systematically taken from above and below the gastro-oesophageal junction, cardiac mucosa was observed in 713 (66.6%) individuals. Its presence was associated with patients' symptoms and/or complaints (P = 0.0025), histological changes of the squamous epithelium (P < 0.001) indicative of GORD, intestinal metaplasia (P < 0.001), and an endoscopic diagnosis of oesophagitis (P < 0.001). No association with an endoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus or with gastric pathology, particularly Helicobacter infection, was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac mucosa is a common finding in biopsy specimens taken from the gastro-oesophageal junction. Its association with reflux symptoms, histological changes indicating GORD and the endoscopic diagnosis of oesophagitis suggests that injury and repair related to GORD contribute to its development and/or expansion.

Two-year subjective, objective, quality of life, and endoscopic follow-up after laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti in patients with columnar-lined esophagus

INTRODUCTION

Barrett esophagus (BE) is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease. We wish to determine the effects of surgery on the histology of the esophageal mucosa and evaluate Quality of Life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) metaplasia underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication. Patients were submitted to close follow-up.

RESULTS

One patient voluntarily left follow-up after surgery. CLE was still present in 18 patients (66.6%); no patient developed dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma. Two patients with gastric metaplasia and 1 patient with intestinal metaplasia had regression at 12 and 24 months after surgery (11.1%). DeMeester and Johnson score decreased from 38.69 (SD ± 51.44) to 11.99 (SD ± 18.08) at 6 months, 12.69 (SD ± 12.91) at 12 months, and it was 11.38 (SD ± 6.43) at 24 months. Preoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease-health related quality of life was 19.90 (SD ± 18.54), 9.80 (SD ± 8.77) at 6 months, 9.57 (SD ± 9.14) at 12 months, and 11.53 (SD ± 6.48) at 24 months. Short form-36 measurement showed significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of CLE requires multidisciplinary approach. Medical therapy does not prevent biliary reflux into the esophagus. Surgical therapy is effective and long lasting. It should be performed by experienced surgical teams.

Barrett esophagus: diagnostic challenges

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma and associated mortality has risen dramatically over the past several decades, and, thus, it is increasingly important to understand its pathogenesis and risk factors. Barrett esophagus is the established precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma that progresses through a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. Its risk of transforming to carcinoma is not as high as previously reported and there appears to be a biological heterogeneity among patients with this disease. The overall prevalence of Barrett esophagus in the United States ranges from 1% to 25% and is closer to 5% in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Because of the frequency of Barrett esophagus and associated implications, it is important for the practicing pathologist to have a thorough understanding of this disease and its diagnostic pitfalls. In this review, we will discuss issues associated with the diagnosis of Barrett esophagus, including the definition of Barrett esophagus and its distinction from carditis with intestinal metaplasia. We will also discuss challenges in the grading of dysplasia and new variants of dysplasia, including crypt dysplasia and foveolar-type dysplasia. Finally, we will touch upon the evaluation of dysplasia in endoscopic mucosal resection specimens.

Histopathology in barrett esophagus and barrett esophagus-related dysplasia

Pathologic specimens, both biopsies and endoscopic mucosal resections, for Barrett esophagus and Barrett-associated dysplasia and malignancy are common for pathologists in North America, and the incidence in South Asian countries seems to be increasing. Dysplasia and malignancy arising in intestinalized gastric-type mucosa raises issues in the interpretation of dysplasia and the evaluation of the depth of invasion of malignancies that are not seen in squamous dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. We review the North American approach to these lesions.

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Barrett's oesophagus

These guidelines provide a practical and evidence-based resource for the management of patients with Barrett's oesophagus and related early neoplasia. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument was followed to provide a methodological strategy for the guideline development. A systematic review of the literature was performed for English language articles published up until December 2012 in order to address controversial issues in Barrett's oesophagus including definition, screening and diagnosis, surveillance, pathological grading for dysplasia, management of dysplasia, and early cancer including training requirements. The rigour and quality of the studies was evaluated using the SIGN checklist system. Recommendations on each topic were scored by each author using a five-tier system (A+, strong agreement, to D+, strongly disagree). Statements that failed to reach substantial agreement among authors, defined as >80% agreement (A or A+), were revisited and modified until substantial agreement (>80%) was reached. In formulating these guidelines, we took into consideration benefits and risks for the population and national health system, as well as patient perspectives. For the first time, we have suggested stratification of patients according to their estimated cancer risk based on clinical and histopathological criteria. In order to improve communication between clinicians, we recommend the use of minimum datasets for reporting endoscopic and pathological findings. We advocate endoscopic therapy for high-grade dysplasia and early cancer, which should be performed in high-volume centres. We hope that these guidelines will standardise and improve management for patients with Barrett's oesophagus and related neoplasia.

Carcinogenesis of Barrett's esophagus: a review of the clinical literature

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Although the incidence of BE has risen rapidly in the West, it is rare in Asia despite a recent increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Controversies over the definition of BE are presented because most cases show short-segment BE, especially ultra-short BE, in Asia. Here we review possible risk factors for the development of EAC, particularly possible roles of ethnicity, specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM), BE length, and environmental factors, such as Helicobacter pylori infection and obesity. Additionally, we summarize recent studies on the effect of chemoprevention including proton pump inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin in order to reduce the risk of neoplastic progression in BE patients. Although substantial knowledge of risk factors of dysplasia/EAC in BE is shown, the risk for neoplastic development may be influenced by geographic variation, study population, the presence or absence of SIM or dysplasia at baseline, and the small number of BE patients investigated. Recently, the efficiency of surveillance for BE patients has been discussed from the standpoint of cost-effectiveness. It may be too difficult to draw conclusions because no randomized clinical trials of BE surveillance have been performed.

Reduced expression of αGlcNAc in Barrett's oesophagus adjacent to Barrett's adenocarcinoma--a possible biomarker to predict the malignant potential of Barrett's oesophagus

AIMS

Gastric gland mucin contains O-glycans exhibiting terminal α1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine residues (αGlcNAc). Recently we demonstrated that mice deficient in αGlcNAc in gastric gland mucin develop gastric adenocarcinoma spontaneously, indicating that αGlcNAc is a tumour suppressor for gastric cancer. However, the role of αGlcNAc in Barrett's oesophagus (BO) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether reduced αGlcNAc expression in BO is associated with development of Barrett's adenocarcinoma (BAC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-five BO lesions adjacent to BAC were examined by immunohistochemistry for αGlcNAc, MUC6 and CDX2. As controls, 35 BO lesions without BAC obtained from patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were also analysed. Expression of αGlcNAc relative to its scaffold MUC6 in BO adjacent to BAC was reduced significantly compared to control BO. Decreased αGlcNAc expression in BO adjacent to BAC was particularly significant in patients with smaller tumour size (<20 mm) and minimal invasion of tumour cells to the superficial muscularis mucosae. There was also a significant inverse correlation between αGlcNAc and CDX2 expression in BO adjacent to BAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased expression of αGlcNAc compared with MUC6 in BO is a possible hallmark in predicting BAC development.

Presence or absence of intestinal metaplasia but not its burden is associated with prevalent high-grade dysplasia and cancer in Barrett's esophagus

Universal agreement on the inclusion of intestinal metaplasia to diagnose Barrett's esophagus (BE) is lacking. Our aim was to determine the association of intestinal metaplasia and its density with the prevalence of dysplasia/cancer in columnar lined esophagus (CLE). Patients with CLE but no intestinal metaplasia (CLE-no IM) were identified by querying the clinical pathology database using SNOMED codes for distal esophageal biopsies. CLE-IM patients were identified from a prospectively maintained database of BE patients. Subsequently, relative risks for prevalent dysplasia and cancer were calculated. Since patients with CLE-no IM are not usually enrolled in surveillance, only prevalent dysplasia/cancer on index endoscopy was analyzed. Goblet cell density and percent intestinal metaplasia were estimated. All biopsy slides were reviewed for dysplasia by two experienced gastrointestinal pathologists. Two hundred sixty-two CLE-IM and 260 CLE-no IM patients were included (age 64±12 vs. 60±11 years, P=0.001; whites 92% vs. 82%, P=0.001; males 99.7% vs. 99.3%, P=NS; CLE length 3.4±3.2 vears 1.4±0.4 cm, P=0.001 and hiatus hernia 64% vs. 56%, P=0.013). The odds of finding low-grade dysplasia and of high-grade dysplasia (HGD)/cancer were 12.5-fold (2.9-53.8, P=0.007) and 4.2-fold (95% CI 1.4-13, P=0.01) higher, respectively, in the CLE-IM group. Reanalysis after controlling for important variables of age, race, and length did not significantly alter the overall results. In CLE-IM group, when patients with high (>50/LPF) versus low goblet cell density (<50/LPF) and <10% versus >10% intestinal metaplasia were compared, the odds of HGD/cancer, OR 1.5 (0.5-4.9, P=0.5) and 1.97 (0.54-7.22), respectively, were not significantly higher. Demonstration of intestinal metaplasia continues to be an essential element in the definition of BE, but its quantification may not be useful for risk stratification of HGD/cancer in BE.

Central obesity in asymptomatic volunteers is associated with increased intrasphincteric acid reflux and lengthening of the cardiac mucosa

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In the West, a substantial proportion of subjects with adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia and gastroesophageal junction have no history of reflux. We studied the gastroesophageal junction in asymptomatic volunteers with normal and large waist circumferences (WCs) to determine if central obesity is associated with abnormalities that might predispose individuals to adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We performed a study of 24 healthy, Helicobacter pylori-negative volunteers with a small WC and 27 with a large WC. Abdominal fat was quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. Jumbo biopsy specimens were taken across the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). High-resolution pH-metry (12 sensors) and manometry (36 sensors) were performed in upright and supine subjects before and after a meal; the SCJ was visualized fluoroscopically.

RESULTS

The cardiac mucosa was significantly longer in the large WC group (2.5 vs 1.75 mm; P = .008); its length correlated with intra-abdominal (R = 0.35; P = .045) and total abdominal (R = 0.37; P = .034) fat. The SCJ was closer to the upper border of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in subjects with a large WC (2.77 vs 3.54 cm; P = .02). There was no evidence of excessive reflux 5 cm above the LES in either group. Gastric acidity extended more proximally within the LES in the large WC group, compared with the upper border (2.65 vs 4.1 cm; P = .027) and peak LES pressure (0.1 cm proximal vs 2.1 cm distal; P = .007). The large WC group had shortening of the LES, attributable to loss of the distal component (total LES length, 3 vs 4.5 cm; P = .043).

CONCLUSIONS

Central obesity is associated with intrasphincteric extension of gastric acid and cardiac mucosal lengthening. The latter might arise through metaplasia of the most distal esophageal squamous epithelium and this process might predispose individuals to adenocarcinoma.

[Barrett's esophagus: analyses from human and experimental animal studies]

Whereas attention in the past has been focused on goblet cells as the primary marker for Barrett's esophagus (BE), the recent change in the definition now includes the non-goblet cell columnar cell-lined esophagus. In the present study the histological features of neoplasia of the lower esophagus and esophago-gastric junction in a German cohort were examined using immunohistochemical staining for MUC, CD10, intestinal and gastric type major tight junction proteins (claudins). Experimental studies using rat duodenogastric content reflux models have also been performed and data show that most neoplastic lesions of the esophageal glands in humans express gastric mucin phenotypes. Cardiac type mucosa was the main histological type in the surrounding mucosa of neoplastic lesions; however, most cardiac type mucosa has intestinal type tight junction proteins. BE with goblet cells has been reported to originate from stem cells located in the basal layer of esophageal squamous cell epithelium in previous models. However, the cardiac type mucosa seems to develop from the site of the stomach and not from the basal layer of esophageal squamous cell epithelium according to our model.

Barrett Esophagus: Evolving Concepts in Diagnosis and Neoplastic Progression

Surgical pathologists need to answer 2 questions when evaluating biopsies from the distal esophagus or gastroesophageal junction in patients with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Are the findings consistent with Barrett esophagus? and Is there any evidence of dysplasia? Pathologists should be well informed about the controversy around the definition of Barrett esophagus and the common pitfalls that lead to a false-positive diagnosis of Barrett esophagus or Barrett esophagus-associated dysplasia. A concise description of distinct morphologic types of dysplasia in Barrett esophagus and a summary of recent data on the natural history of BE are provided in this review.

[Update on Barrett esophagus and Barrett carcinoma]

The definition of Barrett esophagus is currently under discussion. It is now suggested that a distal esophagus coated with cylinder epithelium with cardia-fundus mucosa should also be classified as Barrett esophagus because the risk of cancer is significantly increased even without histological evidence of intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells. The results of recent epidemiological investigations imply that the cancer risk of cylinder cell metaplasia and low grade intraepithelial neoplasia in Barrett esophagus has previously been overestimated. The histological detection of dysplasia still remains the best biomarker for estimation of the risk of cancer of Barrett esophagus. Exact determination of invasion depth in the mucosa, respective submucosa is now established as prognostic marker for overall survival in Patients with early carcinomas and this classification is useful for therapy decisions (endoscopic versus surgical removal). In advanced Barrett carcinoma following neoadjuvant therapy the lymph node status (ypN) is a better prognostic factor than the ypT category. In metastasized tumors therapies targeting HER2/new, EGFR or c-Met have been investigated explicitly in Barrett carcinoma only in phase I/II studies, whereby the predictive value of appropriate molecular pathology investigations is not yet reliably established.

Barrett's esophagus: the American perspective

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) defines Barrett's esophagus as the condition in which any extent of metaplastic columnar epithelium that predisposes to cancer development replaces the squamous epithelium that normally lines the distal esophagus. Although cardiac mucosa may be metaplastic, its malignant predisposition is not clear, and the AGA still requires the demonstration of intestinal metaplasia (with goblet cells) for a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. The AGA generally recommends endoscopic eradication therapy for patients with high-grade dysplasia, who otherwise develop esophageal adenocarcinoma at the rate of 6% per year. Endoscopic therapy is often curative for mucosal neoplasms in Barrett's esophagus because the risk of lymph node metastases is only 1-2%. American gastroenterologists generally do not recommend endoscopic therapy for patients whose neoplasms involve any portion of the submucosa because of the high rate of lymph node metastases that has been described in these cases. The management of low-grade dysplasia is disputed because of poor agreement among pathologists on the diagnosis and because of contradictory data on the natural history, but the AGA recommends that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) should be a therapeutic option for patients with confirmed low-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Arguments for using RFA to treat nondysplastic Barrett's metaplasia are based on the premise that RFA decreases cancer risk, but no study has established that premise. In the absence of definitive data, concerns about the frequency and importance of buried metaplastic glands and recurrent metaplasia should temper enthusiasm for treating nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus with RFA.

MicroRNA Expression Profiling in the Histological Subtypes of Barrett's Metaplasia

OBJECTIVES

The histological definition of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is debated, particularly regarding the phenotype of its metaplastic columnar epithelium. Histologically proven intestinal metaplasia (IM) was the sine qua non condition for a diagnosis of BE but, more recently, non-intestinalized (i.e., cardiac gastric-type; GM) columnar metaplasia has been re-included in the spectrum of Barrett's histology. MicroRNAs modulate cell commitment, and are also reportedly dysregulated in Barrett's carcinogenesis. This study investigates miRNA expression in the histological spectrum of esophageal columnar metaplastic changes, specifically addressing the biological profile of GM vs. IM.

METHODS

A study was performed to discover microRNA microarray in 30 matching mucosa samples obtained from 10 consecutive BE patients; for each patient, biopsy tissue samples were obtained from squamous, GM and intestinalized epithelium. Microarray findings were further validated by qRT-PCR analysis in another bioptic series of 75 mucosa samples.

RESULTS

MicroRNA profiling consistently disclosed metaplasia-specific microRNA signatures. Six microRNAs were significantly dysregulated across the histological phenotypes considered; five of them (two overexpressed (hsa-miR-192; -miR-215) and three under-expressed (hsa-miR-18a*; -miR-203, and -miR-205)) were progressively dysregulated in the phenotypic sequence from squamous to gastric-type, to intestinal-type mucosa samples.

CONCLUSIONS

A consistent microRNA expression signature underlies both gastric- and intestinal-type esophageal metaplasia. The pattern of microRNA dysregulation suggests that GM may further progress to IM. The clinico-pathological implications of these molecular profiles prompt further study on the "personalized" cancer risk associated with each of these metaplastic transformations.

Endoscopic diagnosis of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus, or columnar metaplasia with gastric cardiac cells or intestinal cells, develops in the squamous epithelium of the esophageal mucosa in relation to gastroesophageal reflux. An increased risk of neoplasia justifies surveillance at regular intervals. Conventional guidelines recommend detection of areas with intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia by taking random four-quadrant biopsies at every 1 or 2 cm. Alternatively, image processing with narrow band imaging (NBI), is proposed to improve detection. This international and randomized study in persons with Barrett's esophagus compares conventional endoscopy in white light with random four-quadrant biopsies and NBI imaging with focused biopsies only. Randomization enrolled 123 patients with Barrett's esophagus who successively underwent exploration with the two methods. The study confirmed that NBI had the same efficacy as white light in the detection of intestinal metaplasia, with a higher proportion of dysplasia detected (30 vs 21%) and a lower number of biopsies per patient (3.6 vs 7.6).

Current status of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma in Asia-Pacific region

The incidence of Barrett's adenocarcinoma has increased dramatically over the past few decades in most Western countries. While Barrett's esophagus is uncommon and adenocarcinoma is still rare in Asian populations, several Asian studies have indicated that the prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma is gradually increasing. Therefore, in order to determine the best way to treat superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma, 12 expert endoscopists and a pathologist from the Asia-Pacific region conducted a session entitled 'The current status of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma'. After three keynote lectures, three Japanese panels presented cases of superficial Barrett's adenocarcinomas diagnosed by image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE). We then confirmed the results of a questionnaire on the diagnosis and treatment of superficial Barrett's adenocarcinomas. Finally, a panel introduced an Asia-Pacific international study on simplified narrow-band imaging (NBI) classification of Barrett's esophagus and neoplasias. After a discussion, we proposed consensus statements on endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma as follows. Representative characteristics by conventional white light endoscopy are a reddish area or a lesion located on the anterior to right side wall. IEE may be useful for characterizing the tumor and diagnosing lateral tumor extension. Superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma adjacent to the squamocolumnar junction is sometimes associated with subsquamous tumor extension. IEE may be useful to detect the subsquamous tumor extension especially when using NBI or an acetic acid-spraying method. Endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection for mucosal carcinomas could provide excellent prognosis.

[Screening for adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus: yes or no, when and how?]

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the main recognized risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The incidence of this cancer and its associated mortality has increased in developed countries during the last few years. Detection of EAC at earlier stages could potentially improve survival dramatically in these patients, which is especially important as mortality from EAC remains high despite the available treatments. Therefore, endoscopic surveillance is an attractive option for patients with Barrett's esophagus. Consequently, periodic endoscopic surveillance is recommended by all the International Gastroenterology Societies in an attempt to detect EAC at an early and potentially curable stage. Currently, the frequency of endoscopic surveillance and its need in Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia or without dysplasia are under discussion. This review presents the available evidence in order to assist clinicians in the decision-making process.

Liver-intestine-cadherin is a sensitive marker of intestinal differentiation during Barrett's carcinogenesis

BACKGROUND

Histopathologic differentiation between the stages of Barrett's carcinogenesis is often challenging. Liver-intestine (LI)-cadherin, an intestine-specific marker, is involved in intestinal metaplasia development in gastric and colon cancers and could be of value in diagnosis and differentiation.

AIMS

To examine the expression of LI-cadherin in the sequence of Barrett's carcinogenesis and to evaluate its association with clinicopathological data.

METHODS

LI-cadherin expression was immunohistologically investigated, by use of anti-CDH17 antibody, in gastric mucosa (GM) biopsies taken from the cardia (n = 9), in Barrett's esophagus (BE) without intraepithelial neoplasia (without IEN) (n = 9) and BE with low-grade IEN (n = 11), and in esophageal adenocarcinoma (ADC) (n = 13).

RESULTS

The immunoreactivity score was highest in adenocarcinoma (mean IRS = 4.0), and dropped gradually from BE with IEN and BE without IEN (mean IRS = 2.0) to cardia mucosa (IRS = 0). Similarly, the intensity of staining and the percentage of positive cells increased during the sequential stages of BE carcinogenesis. Comparative analysis showed that LI-cadherin expression was significantly different between cardiac epithelium and ADC. Also, percentage of positive cells in GM was significantly different from that in BE with IEN. LI-cadherin IRS was lower for tumors with poor differentiation than for moderately differentiated tumors, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

LI-cadherin is a sensitive marker of intestinal metaplasia and can be helpful for early histologic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus; it is, however, not significantly different between BE with and without IEN, and cannot be used to distinguish between these.

Pathological evaluation of gastrointestinal endoscopic submucosal dissection materials based on Japanese guidelines

Endoscopic surgery first started as snare polypectomy and then progressed to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). In order to resect a lesion that is more than 2 cm, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was developed. ESD therapy has now been established and is being used for early stage neoplastic lesions in the stomach, colon, esophagus, larynx and pharynx. In ESD specimens, we deal with relatively small lesions; therefore, more meticulous and precise pathological diagnosis is required compared to that in surgically resected specimens. In addition, we should be expert in the eligibility criteria of the different organs for ESD therapy. Here, we explain the biopsy diagnosis, including the Japanese group classification as well as the Vienna classification, handling the specimen, including fixation, photography, cutting and paraffin embedding, histological type, depth, vascular invasion and evaluation of the surgical margins, based on the latest Japanese guidelines. Japanese histopathology diagnostic criteria for the stomach, colon and esophagus are also described. We also demonstrate some examples of those mentioned above.

Prevalence and predictors of columnar lined esophagus in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients undergoing upper endoscopy

OBJECTIVES

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a risk factor for Barrett's esophagus (BE), the most important surrogate marker for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The need to document the presence of intestinal metaplasia in esophageal biopsies from a columnar lined esophagus (CLE) to diagnose BE is debated. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of CLE in a large cohort of GERD patients undergoing upper endoscopy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients presenting to the endoscopy unit at a tertiary referral center for their index upper endoscopy for evaluation of GERD symptoms were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Patients were asked to complete a validated GERD questionnaire that documents the onset of GERD symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) and grades the frequency and severity of symptoms experienced over the past year. Demographic information, body mass index, and use of aspirin/nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were recorded. Endoscopic details including length of CLE, presence and size of hiatal hernia were noted. Patients with CLE (cases) were compared with those without CLE (controls) using Fischer's exact test and t-test. All factors that were statistically significant (P<0.05) were then entered into stepwise logistic regression to evaluate for independent predictors of CLE.

RESULTS

A total of 1058 patients with GERD symptoms were prospectively enrolled. On index endoscopy, the prevalence of CLE was 23.3%, whereas of CLE with documented intestinal metaplasia was 14.1%. On univariate analysis, male gender, Caucasian race, heartburn duration of >5 years, presence and size of hiatal hernia were significantly associated with the presence of CLE compared with controls (P<0.05). On multivariate analysis, heartburn duration >5 years (odds ratio (OR): 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-2.09, P=0.01), Caucasian race (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.42-4.03, P=0.001), and hiatal hernia (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.50-2.87, P<0.01) were found to be independent predictors for CLE. CLE length was significantly associated with the presence of intestinal metaplasia (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

If BE is defined by the presence of CLE alone on upper endoscopy, up to 25% of GERD patients are diagnosed with this lesion. Enrolling all these patients in surveillance programs would have significant ramifications on health-care resources.

Barrett's esophagus: A review of diagnostic criteria, clinical surveillance practices and new developments

Barrett's esophagus is defined by metaplastic glandular changes to the distal esophagus and is linked to an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Controversy exists whether the definition should be limited to intestinal type glands with goblet cells or should be expanded to include non-goblet cell columnar epithelium. Barrett's esophagus may be asymptomatic in a large proportion of the population but screening should be considered for those with certain clinical findings. The diagnosis of Barrett's should be based on the combination of careful endoscopic evaluation and histologic review of the biopsy material. Continued surveillance biopsies may be necessary in cases of indeterminate or low grade dysplasia. Clinical follow-up of patients with high grade dysplasia should be tailored to the individual patient. Development of newer endoscopy techniques including chemoendoscopy, chromoendoscopy and use of biomarkers on frozen tissue have shown some promise of identifying patients at risk for malignancy.

Columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia: results from a cohort with a mean follow-up of 7 years

BACKGROUND

The definition of Barrett's oesophagus lacks consensus, particularly the requirement of intestinal metaplasia for diagnosis. Scarce information exists on the prevalence and natural history of columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia.

AIM

To evaluate the demographics and natural history of columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia ≥ 2 cm in length.

METHODS

Patients with columnar-lined oesophagus ≥ 2 cm in length and no intestinal metaplasia in biopsy specimens from two consecutive endoscopies with at least a 1-year interval were prospectively followed. A cohort of Barrett's oesophagus patients was used as a control.

RESULTS

Columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia (n = 15) had a similar gender distribution, reflux symptoms prevalence and length as those of Barrett's oesophagus (n = 205). Patients were significantly younger (28.6 vs. 60 years, P < 0.0001) and accounted for 48% of patients aged <40 years in the two cohorts, but only 1% of those aged >40 years (P < 0.001). Patient distribution in both cohorts in 5 age brackets (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and >50 years) was significantly different, except for patients aged 40-49 years. Intestinal metaplasia was documented in 60% of the cohort after a mean follow-up of 7.1 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia ≥ 2 cm is infrequent in the setting of a systematic biopsy protocol, is associated with a younger age in comparison with Barrett's oesophagus, and appears to be an intermediate step between squamous and intestinal lining of the oesophagus.

Barrett's esophagus. Practical issues for daily routine diagnosis

Most clinicians and researchers agree that Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition which, however, is not easily defined. Whether goblet cells must be present or not is a matter of debate and definitions vary worldwide. Although the use of the term "columnar metaplasia" tends to circumvent these issues, it can also be subdivided into those with and without goblet cells. There is some evidence that Barrett's esophagus results from a multistep process in which goblet cells are a secondary event. Hence, Barrett's adenocarcinoma has recently been shown to originate from areas lacking goblet cells. The histological diagnosis of neoplasia is often hampered by marked interobserver variation. New endoscopic techniques allow for local resections of neoplasia with curative intent. Pathologists should know which pieces of information gastroenterologists need for management options: surveillance versus therapy such as endoscopic resection with or endoscopic ablation without histological specimen. The most important information for gastroenterologists is whether there is neoplasia or not; if any, they need to know the grade (low grade, high grade, carcinoma) and risk factors (vessel permeation, poor differentiation, resection complete in case of endoscopic resection, depth of infiltration).