Barrett esophagus

Barrett esophagus continues to intrigue investigators and clinicians alike as the new millennium begins. A large number of publications in the past ye ar have discussed issues of epidemiology, prevalence, detection, and treatm ent of Barrett esophagus. Chronic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux were identified as a strong risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma The relative freq uency of short and long Barrett and cardia intestinal metaplasia in patient s who undergo upper endoscopy have been better defined. Biomarkers in patie nts with Barrett may eventually be helpful in identifying those at high ris k for the development of neoplasia High-dose proton pump inhibition to the point of near elimination of esophageal acid exposure remains disappointing in its impact on the surface area of Barrett. Finally, the developments in endoscopic therapy for patients with Barrett esophagus continue to be prom ising. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2000 16:374-379 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Williams, Inc.