BARRETTS-ESOPHAGUS

Over the past year several advances in our understanding of Barrett's esophagus have been made, These include a more precise definition base d on location and histology of the metaplastic epithelium, recognition that acid may not be the only important component of the refluxate le ading to the condition, and an increased awareness of the importance o f short segments of intestinal metaplasia. In addition, a further unde rstanding of biomarkers that may predict an increased risk of malignan cy and new perspectives regarding endoscopic surveillance have been ga ined. Finally, studies regarding new therapeutic strategies for Barret t's esophagus that may eventually be clinically applicable have been p ublished over the past year, This article reviews these exciting advan ces in our understanding of this common yet potentially lethal entity.