Management of Barrett’s Esophagus Flashcards
What is Barrett’s esophagus (BE)?
It is a metaplastic change of the epithelial lining of the distal esophagus from normal stratified squamous epithelium to intestinal columnar epithelium containing goblet cells
How is the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) made?
endoscopically with a visible change in the lining of the distal esophagus
along with a biopsy demonstrating columnar epithelium with goblet cells
What is the major risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC)
Barrett’s esophagus (BE)
What are the main objectives of treatment for Barrett’s esophagus (BE)?
To treat the underlying reflux disease
prevent progression of BE
treat BE with dysplasia before it progresses to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
How much higher is the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) compared to the general population?
estimated to be 30 to 125 times higher
How does the progression from Barrett’s esophagus (BE) to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) occur?
stepwise from normal squamous epithelium to non-dysplastic BE, low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and finally EAC
What determines low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s esophagus (BE)?
They are determined by the degree of distortion in the architecture of dysplastic cells.
What are some risk factors associated with the development of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC)?
Family history
age over 50 years
male sex
central obesity
white race
presence of hiatal hernia
and tobacco use.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Clinical Guidelines, who should be screened for Barrett’s esophagus (BE)?
Males with chronic GERD (symptoms for 5+ years with at least weekly symptoms) and two or more additional risk factors, such as age > 50, white race, central obesity, current or past smoking, or a family history in a first-degree relative.
What is the initial evaluation method for Barrett’s esophagus (BE)?
-White light endoscopy.
-You See > salmon pink mucosa identified proximal to the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ)
-look for :
Areas of columnar metaplasia
irregularities in the mucosal surface, which may indicate dysplasia or invasive adenocarcinoma
What is the Prague classification used for?
It is a standardized reporting mechanism that identifies
the proximal extent of circumferential BE and the maximal extent of any tongues of BE.
What protocol is followed for biopsies in the evaluation of BE?
The Seattle protocol
taking biopsies of the distal esophagus in four quadrants from the GEJ at 1- to 2-cm intervals.
Also :
Biopsies of the gastric mucosa for comparison
and of any areas with mucosal irregularities.
What imaging technique can be employed to enhance visualization of mucosal surface patterns and irregularities?
Narrow band imaging (or another form of chromoendoscopy).
What is required if Barrett’s esophagus (BE) with dysplasia is found?
Confirmation by a second pathologist with gastrointestinal (GI) expertise
What is the goal of surveillance once Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is identified?
identify progression to dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) at an early, treatable stage.
What is the preferred method for surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus (BE)?
White light endoscopy, with or without the addition of narrow band imaging.
What biopsy strategy is recommended during BE surveillance?
The Seattle protocol, which involves taking four-quadrant biopsies, with some debate over whether the interval between biopsies should be 1 cm or 2 cm
What should be done with nodular lesions found during BE surveillance?
biopsied and sent separately for pathologic evaluation
Should biopsies be performed in areas of active esophagitis during BE surveillance?
Some guidelines recommend against biopsies in areas of active esophagitis, suggesting repeat endoscopy after a period of suppressive therapy
What should be done if dysplasia is found during BE surveillance?
Dysplasia should be confirmed by a second pathologist with expertise in gastrointestinal (GI) pathology.
What is the recommended surveillance interval for nondysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE)?
Every 3 to 5 years, with some guidelines suggesting shorter intervals for patients with longer-segment BE.
When is surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) typically stopped?
When patients are no longer candidates for endoscopic or surgical therapy or cannot tolerate repeat endoscopic procedures
What is the first-line therapy for GERD in patients with non-dysplastic BE?
Once-daily dosing of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
along with diet and lifestyle modification
when symptom control inadequate > escalation to twice-daily dosing of PPIs