A "deeper" look at subsquamous structures beneath the neosquamous epithelium after Barrett's esophagus endotherapy

A Practical Approach to Refractory and Recurrent Barrett's Esophagus

Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) is recommended for patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE)-associated neoplasia and is effective in achieving complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). However, BE that is refractory to EET, defined as partial or no improvement in dysplasia after less than or equal to 3 ablative sessions, and the development of recurrence post-EET is not uncommon. Identification of refractory BE or recurrent intestinal metaplasia should prompt esophageal physiologic testing and modification of antireflux strategy, as appropriate. In patients who ultimately fail standard EET despite optimization of reflux control, salvage EET with alternate modalities may need to be considered.

Buried Barrett's Esophagus with High-Grade Dysplasia after Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation therapy is an effective endoscopic option for the eradication of Barrett’s esophagus that appears to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. A concern associated with this technique is the development of subsquamous/buried intestinal metaplasia, whose clinical relevance and malignant potential have not yet been fully elucidated. Fewer than 20 cases of subsquamous neoplasia after the successful radiofrequency ablation of Barrett’s esophagus have been reported to date. Here, we describe a new case of subsquamous neoplasia (high-grade dysplasia) following radiofrequency ablation that was managed with endoscopic resection. Our experience suggests that a meticulous endoscopic inspection prior to and after radiofrequency ablation is fundamental to reduce the risk of buried neoplasia development.