Detection of Barrett's esophagus superimposed by esophageal cancer by FDG positron emission tomography

Barrett's esophagus is present in approximately 10% of patients with gastro esophageal reflux disease. In this condition, the normal squamous epitheliu m of the esophagus is replaced by a metaplastic columnar (intestinal type) epithelium. Regarded as a precancerous lesion, adenocarcinoma will develop in as many as 10% of patients with Barrett's esophagus. Positron emission t omography with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET) is used to detect various neopl asms. However, the detection of cancer and its precancerous lesion by FDG P ET in the same patient has not been reported. The authors describe a patien t in whom adenocarcinoma and its precancerous condition (Barrett's esophagu s) were identified by FDG PET.