Abstract
Background: Depending on the length of the segment of columnar epithelium in the distal oesophagus, Barrett's oesophagus can be divided into long-segment and short-segment Barrett's oesophagus. This article describes the pathophysiological characteristics of both forms of Barrett's oesophagus. Methods: Review of the literature. Results: Although there is some disagreement, ours and most other studies suggest that long-segment columnar-lined oesophagus is causally linked to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux and that this from of Barrett's oesophagus is characterized by lower oesophageal sphincter tone, reduced oesophageal contractility and increased acid reflux. Short-segment Barrett's oesophagus is also associated with acid reflux, but the degree of oesophageal acid exposure and the level of other pathophysiological alterations seem to be lower. Conclusion: Pathophysiological abnormalities appear to be more prominent in long-segment Barrett's oesophagus than in short-segment Barrett's oesophagus.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 40-43 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Supplement |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 239 |
Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Keywords
- Barrett's oesophagus
- Oesophageal manometry
- Oesophageal pH-monitoring
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology