Endoscopic and histologic diagnosis of Barrett esophagus

Endoscopy plays an important role in the identification, diagnosis, and tre atment of Barrett esophagus. Short-segment (<2-3 cm) and traditional long-s egment (>2-3 cm) Barrett esophagus are distinguished solely on the length o f metaplastic tissue above the esophagogastric junction. The histologic hal lmark of intestinal metaplasia is required to confirm diagnosis. Biopsy spe cimens obtained from tissue of presumed Barrett esophagus or an irregular Z line confirm metaplastic glandular mucosa and permit evaluation of dysplas tic or neoplastic changes. In the appropriate clinical setting, the use of adjunctive diagnostic techniques may facilitate the diagnosis of Barrett es ophagus and sequelae such as dysplasia, Chromoendoscopy with high-resolutio n or magnified endoscopy is simple, safe, and desirable for surveillance bu t requires additional procedural time. The use of light-induced fluorescenc e endoscopy and light-scattering spectroscopy tie, optical biopsy) is appea ling for the diagnosis and characterization of suspicious lesions, Adjuncti ve endoscopic techniques and adherence to a protocol for performing biopsie s facilitate the early detection and subsequent surveillance of Barrett eso phagus.