الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The esophageal mucosa is composed of non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosae. Most authorities now agree that a true Barrett epithelium consists of specialized columnar epithelium that resembles intestinal mucosa with a villiform surface. Thecircumference of short segments or may line the entire lower esophagus. There is a strong evidence that supports the association of gastro-esophageal reflux disease with Barrett’s esophagus, including studies that show higher frequencies of Barrett’s esophagus in patients undergoing endoscopy for symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease than in patients having endoscopy for other symptoms. The presence of columnar-lined epithelium itself appears to cause no symptoms, and for most adult patients, symptoms are those related to the associated gastro-esophageal reflux disease or its complications. Barrett’s esophagus is generally consjdered to be a precancerous condition. |