ENDOSCOPIC LOCATION OF SQUAMOUS COLUMNAR MUCOSAL JUNCTION IN PATIENTSWITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

Background: There is little information about the precise location of the squamous columnar mucosal junction in the Chilean population. Aim: To study endoscopically, the location of the squamous columnar mucosa l junction in patients with esophageal disease. Patients and methods: The location of the squamous columnar mucosal junction was prospective ly studied by endoscopy in 347 subjects with normal upper gastrointest inal endoscopy, 117 patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux with out esophagitis, 117 patients with erosive esophagitis, 63 patients wi th short Barret's esophagus and 28 patients with an extensive Barret's esophagus. Results: No differences in the mucosal junction location w ere observed between controls and patients with gastroesophageal reflu x or erosive esophagitis. In patients with Barret's esophagus, the jun ction was more proximal. In women, the junction was three cm more prox imal than in men, probably due to their shorter stature. Conclusions: Women have a more proximal squamous columnar mucosal junction than men .