Risk factors for Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma:Results from the FINBAR study

AIM:To investigate risk factors associated with Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma.METHODS:This all-Ireland population-based case-control study recruited 224 Barrett's oesophagus patients,227 oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients and 260 controls.All participants underwent a structured interview with information obtained about potential lifestyle and environmental risk factors.RESULTS:Gastro-oesophageal reflux was associated with Barrett's [OR 12.0(95% CI 7.64-18.7)] and oesophageal adenocarcinoma [OR 3.48(95% CI 2.25-5.41)].Oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients were more likely than controls to be ex-or current smokers [OR 1.72(95% CI 1.06-2.81)and OR 4.84(95% CI 2.72-8.61)respectively] and to have a high body mass index [OR 2.69(95% CI 1.62-4.46)].No significant associations were observed between these risk factors and Barrett's oesophagus.Fruit but not vegetables were negatively associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma [OR 0.50(95% CI 0.30-0.86)].CONCLUSION:A high body mass index,a diet low in fruit and cigarette smoking may be involved in the progression from Barrett's oesophagus to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Hybrid argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus:A prospective,multicenter study

BACKGROUND The incidence of Barrett’s esophagus(BE)in China is lower compared to the Western populations.Hence,studies conducted in the Chinese population has been limited.The current treatment options available for BE treatment includes argon plasma coagulation(APC),radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation,all with varying degrees of success.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of HybridAPC in the treatment of BE.METHODS The study cohort consisted of patients with BE who underwent HybridAPC ablation treatment.These procedures were performed by seven endoscopists from different tertiary hospitals.The duration of the procedure,curative rate,complications and recurrent rate by 1-year follow-up were recorded.RESULTS Eighty individuals were enrolled for treatment from July 2017 to June 2020,comprising of 39 males and 41 females with a median age of 54 years(range,30 to 83 years).The technical success rate of HybridAPC was 100%and the overall curative rate was 98.15%.No severe complications occurred during the operation.BE cases were classified as short-segment BE and long-segment BE.Patients with short-segment BE were all considered cured without complications.Thirty-six patients completed the one-year follow-up without recurrence.Twenty-four percent had mild dysplasia which were all resolved with one post-procedural treatment.The mean duration of the procedure was 10.94±6.52 min.CONCLUSION Treatment of BE with HybridAPC was found to be a simple and quick procedure that is safe and effective during the short-term follow-up,especially in cases of short-segment BE.This technique could be considered as a feasible alternative ablation therapy for BE.

Socioeconomic traits and the risk of Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Previous observational studies have shown that the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and Barrett’s esophagus(BE)is associated with socioeconomic status.However,due to the methodological limitations of traditional observational studies,it is challenging to definitively establish causality.AIM To explore the causal relationship between the prevalence of these conditions and socioeconomic status using Mendelian randomization(MR).METHODS We initially screened single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)to serve as proxies for eight socioeconomic status phenotypes for univariate MR analysis.The inverse variance weighted(IVW)method was used as the primary analytical method to estimate the causal relationship between the eight socioeconomic status phenotypes and the risk of GERD and BE.We then collected combinations of SNPs as composite proxies for the eight socioeconomic phenotypes to perform multivariate MR(MVMR)analyses based on the IVW MVMR model.Furthermore,a two-step MR mediation analysis was used to examine the potential mediation of the associations by body mass index,major depressive disorder(MDD),smoking,alcohol consumption,and sleep duration.RESULTS The study identified three socioeconomic statuses that had a significant impact on GERD.These included household income[odds ratio(OR):0.46;95% confidence interval(95%CI):0.31-0.70],education attainment(OR:0.23;95%CI:0.18-0.29),and the Townsend Deprivation Index at recruitment(OR:1.57;95%CI:1.04-2.37).These factors were found to independently and predominantly influence the genetic causal effect of GERD.Furthermore,the mediating effect of educational attainment on GERD was found to be mediated by MDD(proportion mediated:10.83%).Similarly,the effect of educational attainment on BE was mediated by MDD(proportion mediated:10.58%)and the number of cigarettes smoked per day(proportion mediated:3.50%).Additionally,the mediating effect of household income on GERD was observed to be mediated by sleep duration(proportion mediated:9.75%)CONCLUSION This MR study shed light on the link between socioeconomic status and GERD or BE,providing insights for the prevention of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions.

Gender disparities and woman-specific trends in Barrett’s esophagus in the United States:An 11-year nationwide populationbased study

BACKGROUND Barrett's esophagus(BE)is a known premalignant precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC).The prevalence rates continue to rise in the United States,but many patients who are at risk of EAC are not screened.Current practice guidelines include male gender as a predisposing factor for BE and EAC.The population-based clinical evidence regarding female gender remains limited.AIM To study comparative trends of gender disparities in patients with BE in the United States.METHODS A nationwide retrospective study was conducted using the 2009-2019 National Inpatient Sample(NIS)database.Patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis code of BE were identified.The major outcome of interest was determining the gender disparities in patients with BE.Trend analysis for respective outcomes for females was also reported to ascertain any time-based shifts.RESULTS We identified 1204190 patients with BE for the study period.Among the included patients,717439(59.6%)were men and 486751(40.4%)were women.The mean age was higher in women than in men(67.1±0.4 vs 66.6±0.3 years,P<0.001).The rate of BE per 100000 total NIS hospitalizations for males increased from 144.6 in 2009 to 213.4 in 2019(P<0.001).The rate for females increased from 96.8 in 2009 to 148.7 in 2019(P<0.001).There was a higher frequency of obesity among women compared to men(17.4%vs 12.6%,P<0.001).Obesity prevalence among females increased from 12.3%in 2009 to 21.9%in 2019(P<0.001).A lower prevalence of smoking was noted in women than in men(20.8%vs 35.7%,P<0.001).However,trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of smoking among women,from 12.9%in 2009 to 30.7%in 2019(P<0.001).Additionally,there was a lower prevalence of alcohol abuse,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),and diabetes mellitus among females than males(P<0.001).Trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of alcohol use disorder and a decreasing prevalence of H.pylori and diabetes mellitus among women(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The prevalence of BE among women has steadily increased from 2009 to 2019.The existing knowledge concerning BE development has historically focused on men,but our findings show that the risk in women is not insignificant.

Barrett's oesophagus: Current controversies

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is rapidly increasing in Western countries. This tumour frequently presents late in its course with metastatic disease and has a very poor prognosis. Barrett's oesophagus is an acquired condition whereby the native squamous mucosa of the lower oesophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium following prolonged gastro-oesophageal reflux and is the recognised precursor lesion for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. There are multiple national and society guidelines regarding screening,surveillance and management of Barrett's oesophagus,however all are limited regarding a clear evidence base for a well-demonstrated benefit and cost-effectiveness of surveillance,and robust risk stratification for patients to best use resources. Currently the accepted risk factors upon which surveillance intervals and interventions are based are Barrett's segment length and histological interpretation of the systematic biopsies. Further patient risk factors including other demographic features,smoking,gender,obesity,ethnicity,patient age,biomarkers and endoscopic adjuncts remain under consideration and are discussed in full. Recent evidence has been published to support earlier endoscopic intervention by means of ablation of the metaplastic Barrett's segment when the earliest signs of dysplasia are detected. Further work should concentrate on establishing better risk stratification and primary and secondary preventative strategies to reduce the risk of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus.

肠上皮化生在Barrett’s食管进展为食管腺癌中作用的研究进展

食管腺癌(esophageal adenocarcinoma,EAC)的发病率有逐年增加的趋势,EAC预后差,5年生存率不足20%.Barrett’s食管(barrett’sesophagus,BE)是目前唯一已知的EAC癌前病变,伴肠上皮化生(intestinal metaplasia,IM)的BE有更高的风险进展为EAC,探究IM的发生机制,寻找BE的针对性治疗靶点,成为预防肿瘤的重要措施.胆汁酸反流被认为是IM发生的重要因素,并促进BE向EAC进展,但胆汁反流诱导肠化、癌变的分子调节机制尚不清楚.本文就IM发生的环境、意义、细胞起源学说,胆汁反流的毒性作用以及IM向肿瘤进展的分子改变进行综述,旨在提高临床医师对BE中IM的认识,为早期干预BE和防治EAC提供证据.

Artificial intelligence system for the detection of Barrett’s esophagus

BACKGROUND Barrett’s esophagus(BE),which has increased in prevalence worldwide,is a precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma.Although there is a gap in the detection rates between endoscopic BE and histological BE in current research,we trained our artificial intelligence(AI)system with images of endoscopic BE and tested the system with images of histological BE.AIM To assess whether an AI system can aid in the detection of BE in our setting.METHODS Endoscopic narrow-band imaging(NBI)was collected from Chung Shan Medical University Hospital and Changhua Christian Hospital,resulting in 724 cases,with 86 patients having pathological results.Three senior endoscopists,who were instructing physicians of the Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan,independently annotated the images in the development set to determine whether each image was classified as an endoscopic BE.The test set consisted of 160 endoscopic images of 86 cases with histological results.RESULTS Six pre-trained models were compared,and EfficientNetV2B2(accuracy[ACC]:0.8)was selected as the backbone architecture for further evaluation due to better ACC results.In the final test,the AI system correctly identified 66 of 70 cases of BE and 85 of 90 cases without BE,resulting in an ACC of 94.37%.CONCLUSION Our AI system,which was trained by NBI of endoscopic BE,can adequately predict endoscopic images of histological BE.The ACC,sensitivity,and specificity are 94.37%,94.29%,and 94.44%,respectively.

Psychosocial factors and their association with reflux oesophagitis,Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma

AIM:To investigate the role of psychological characteristics as risk factors for oesophageal adenocarcinoma(OAC),as well as the reflux-mediated precursor pathway.METHODS:An all-Ireland population-based case-control study recruited 230 reflux oesophagitis(RO),224 Barrett's oesophagus(BO) and 227 OAC patients and 260 controls.Each case/control group completed measures of stress,depression,self-efficacy,self-esteem,repression and social support.A comparative analysis was undertaken using polytomous logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders.RESULTS:Compared to controls,OAC patients were almost half as likely to report high stress levels over their lifetime(P = 0.010,OR 0.51;95%CI:0.29-0.90)and 36% less likely to report having experienced depression(OR 0.64;95%CI:0.42-0.98).RO patients reported significantly higher stress than controls particularly during middle-and senior-years(P for trends < 0.001).RO patients were 37% less likely to report having been highly emotionally repressed(OR 0.63;95%CI:0.41-0.95).All case groups(OAC,RO and BO) were more likely than controls to report having had substantial amounts of social support(OR 2.84;95%CI:1.63-4.97;OR 1.97;95%CI:1.13-3.44 and OR 1.83;95%CI:1.03-3.24,respectively).CONCLUSION:The improved psychological profile of OAC patients may be explained by response shift.The role of psychological factors in the development of OAC requires further investigation.

Advanced endoscopic imaging in Barrett's oesophagus:A review on current practice

Over the last few years,improvements in endoscopic imaging technology have enabled identification of dysplasia and early cancer in Barrett's oesophagus.New techniques should exhibit high sensitivities and specificities and have good interobserver agreement.They should also be affordable and easily applicable to the community gastroenterologist.Ideally,these modalities must exhibit the capability of imaging wide areas in real time whilst enabling the endoscopist to specifically target abnormal areas.This review will specifically focus on some of the novel endoscopic imaging modalities currently available in routine practice which includes chromoendoscopy,autofluorescence imaging and narrow band imaging.

Graft dilatation and Barrett’s esophagus in adults after gastric pullup and jejunal interposition for long-gap esophageal atresia

BACKGROUND Esophageal replacement(ER)with gastric pull-up(GPU)or jejunal interposition(JI)used to be the standard treatment for long-gap esophageal atresia(LGEA).Changes of the ER grafts on a macro-and microscopic level however,are unknown.AIM To evaluate long-term clinical symptoms and anatomical and mucosal changes in adolescents and adults after ER for LGEA.METHODS A cohort study was conducted including all LGEA patients≥16 years who had undergone GPU or JI between 1985-2003 at two tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands.Patients underwent clinical assessment,contrast study and endoscopy with biopsy.Data was collected prospectively.Group differences between JI and GPU patients,and associations between different outcome measures were assessed using the Fisher’s exact test for bivariate variables and the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables.Differences with a P-value<0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS Nine GPU patients and eleven JI patients were included.Median age at follow-up was 21.5 years and 24.4 years,respectively.Reflux was reported in six GPU patients(67%)vs four JI patients(36%)(P=0.37).Dysphagia symptoms were reported in 64%of JI patients,compared to 22%of GPU patients(P=0.09).Contrast studies showed dilatation of the jejunal graft in six patients(55%)and graft lengthening in four of these six patients.Endoscopy revealed columnar-lined esophagus in three GPU patients(33%)and intestinal metaplasia was histologically confirmed in two patients(22%).No association was found between reflux symptoms and macroscopic anomalies or intestinal metaplasia.Three GPU patients(33%)experienced severe feeding problems vs none in the JI group.The median body mass index of JI patients was 20.9 kg/m^(2) vs 19.5 kg/m^(2) in GPU patients(P=0.08).CONCLUSION The majority of GPU patients had reflux and intestinal metaplasia in 22%.The majority of JI patients had dysphagia and a dilated graft.Follow-up after ER for LGEA is essential.

Role of artificial intelligence in Barrett’s esophagus

The application of artificial intelligence(AI)in gastrointestinal endoscopy has gained significant traction over the last decade.One of the more recent applications of AI in this field includes the detection of dysplasia and cancer in Barrett’s esophagus(BE).AI using deep learning methods has shown promise as an adjunct to the endoscopist in detecting dysplasia and cancer.Apart from visual detection and diagnosis,AI may also aid in reducing the considerable interobserver variability in identifying and distinguishing dysplasia on whole slide images from digitized BE histology slides.This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the key studies thus far as well as providing an insight into the future role of AI in Barrett’s esophagus.

Is Helicobacter pylori infection protective against esophageal cancer?

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection affects a substantial proportion of the global population and causes various gastric disorders,including gastric cancer.Recent studies have found an inverse relationship between H.pylori infection and eso-phageal cancer(EC),suggesting a protective role against EC.This editorial focuses on the possible mechanisms underlying the role of H.pylori infection in EC and explores the role of gut microbiota in esophageal carcinogenesis and the prac-ticality of H.pylori eradication.EC has two major subtypes:Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC),which have different etiologies and risk factors.Gut microbiota can contribute to EC via inflammation-induced carcinogenesis,immunomodulation,lactagenesis,and genotoxin production.H.pylori infection is said to be inversely related to EAC,protecting against EAC by inducing atrophic gastritis,altering serum ghrelin levels,and triggering cancer cell apoptosis.Though H.pylori infection has no significant association with ESCC,COX-2-1195 polymorphisms and endogenous nitrosamine production can impact the risk of ESCC in H.pylori-infected in-dividuals.There are concerns regarding a plausible increase in EC after H.pylori eradication treatments.However,H.pylori eradication is not associated with an increased risk of EC,making it safe from an EC perspective.

洛阳地区Barrett’s食管的发病情况、内镜和病理学特点

目的探讨洛阳地区一组Barrett’s食管（BE）的发病情况、内镜和病理学特点及其与幽门螺杆菌（H．pylori）感染的关系。方法采用普通胃镜检查结合病理检查结果，对洛阳地区有消化道症状的一组BE患者进行分析，同时采用尿素[^14C]呼气试验药盒检查H·pylori感染对BE发病学的影响。结果2006年8月～2007年4月共有593例接受胃镜检查，有22例诊断为BE，BE发病率为3．71％；以短段、舌型发病率最高，分别占81．81％和77．27％；7例（31．8％）有典型反流症状；伴有低度异型性增生3例（13．64％），重度异型性增生1例（4．55％），并发腺癌1例（4．55％），其中伴有重度异型性增生的1例随访1年后并发腺癌；对其中的10例进行H．pylori检查，阳性率为90％。结论洛阳地区BE发病率较高，以短段、舌型为主，有典型反流症状者较少，伴有异型性增生、腺癌者及并发H．pylori感染者常见。

糜烂性食管炎、Barrett食管及食管腺癌中SOX2、CDX2的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨CDX2、SOX2在糜烂性食管炎、Barrett食管的3种不同组织类型(胃底型、贲门型、肠化生型)及食管腺癌(esophageal adenocarcinoma,EAC)中的表达及意义。方法采用免疫组化Eli Vision两步法检测CDX2和SOX2在35例贲门组、23例胃底组、14例肠化组、10例糜烂性食管炎组、7例EAC组、10例正常食管下段黏膜中的表达情况。结果 CDX2在肠化组及EAC组中的阳性率均为85.7%,显著高于其他四组(P<0.05);CDX2阳性率在贲门组(11.4%)、胃底组(0)、糜烂性食管炎组(0)及正常食管组(0)中的差异无显著性(P>0.05)。CDX2在贲门组(75%)及EAC组(66.7%)以(+)为主,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),与肠化组(91.7%)以()为主显著不同(P<0.05)。SOX2在Barrett食管三组中的阳性率均为100%,显著高于EAC组(28.6%)(P<0.05)。SOX2以(++)表达方式在胃底组(95.7%)及贲门组(74.3%)中差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);显著高于肠化组(50%)和EAC组(50%)(P<0.05)。SOX2和CDX2的表达在肠化型Barrett食管中呈负相关(P<0.05),在贲门组、胃底组、EAC组中无明显相关(P>0.05)。结论短段贲门型Barrett食管中CDX2的阳性率不高,可能只是一种柱状上皮化生,与EAC的关系不大;CDX2在鳞状上皮向特殊肠上皮化生转化过程中发挥重要作用,SOX2的沉默促进EAC发生。

Barrett’s食管、糜烂性食管炎及非糜烂性反流病发生机制的比较

目的:比较糜烂性食管炎(EE)、非糜烂性反流病(NERD)及Barrett’s食管(BE)患者反流发生特点,探讨不同类型GERD的可能发病机制.方法:105例GERD患者根据胃镜及病理情况分为:EE组(35例)、BE组(34例)及NERD组(36例),对照组30例为健康志愿者.比较4组受检者食管测压与24h食管pH及胆汁反流同步监测结果的差异.结果:与对照组相比,GERD各组LES静息压均有不同程度减低,以EE组最明显(P<0.05).EE与BE组患者远段食管收缩波幅及有效蠕动百分比明显低于NERD组与对照组(均P<0.05).DeMeester评分等酸反流指标在EE组最高.BE组Abs>0.14时间百分比等长时间胆汁反流指标最高.NERD患者中仅52.8%存在病理性反流.各组中混合反流类型占各组病理性反流总人数的比例分别为68.57%(EE组)、84.38%(BE组)及63.15%(NERD组).结论:胃酸与胆汁的混合反流是GERD患者中最常见病理性反流类型,且对食管黏膜的损害较单纯酸或胆汁反流为重,胆汁反流在BE的发病机制中占有重要地位.

食管炎、食管溃疡和Barrett’s食管的胃食管反流与胃内pH值的关系

目的 探讨胃内 pH值与胃食管反流的关系及胃 食管反流的病理生理机制。 方法 采用便携式 pH监测仪对 1 8例食管炎、1 2例食管溃疡、1 0例Barrett’s食管、1 5例健康人行 2 4h食管和胃 pH值同步监测 ,分别计算胃内各段 pH值、胃 食管酸反流次数、长反流次数、最长反流时间以及pH值 <4的时间占总时间的百分比。 结果 ①食管炎组 :上述各项指标在胃内 pH值为 1～ 4时明显高于对照组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;当胃内 pH值为 1～ 2时 ,酸反流次数明显高于其他pH值段 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;②食管溃疡组 :当胃内 pH值为 1～ 2时 ,酸反流次数、长反流时间明显高于其他 pH值段 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;胃内 pH值为 1～ 3时 ,酸反流次数、长反流时间明显高于对照组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;③Barrett’s食管组 :胃内pH值为 2～ 3时的酸反流次数明显高于对照组 ;④当胃内 pH值为 1～ 2时 ,食管炎组、食管溃疡组酸反流次数明显高于Barrett’s食管组。结论 当胃内 pH值在 1～ 2之间时 ,食管炎、食管溃疡的胃食管酸反流最为明显 ,食管黏膜损伤的严重程度与食管接触酸的次数及接触酸的时间长短有关 ;Barrett’s食管的胃

Caspase-3和hTERT在Barrett’s食管中的表达及其相互关系

目的研究半胱天冬蛋白酶-3(Caspase-3)和端粒酶逆转录酶(hTERT)在Barrett’s食管(Barrett’s esophagus,BE)及食管炎伴贲门腺或胃底腺化生组织中的表达,探讨其在BE发病中的作用。方法应用免疫组织化学法(LDP)检测22例BE和38例食管炎伴贲门腺或胃底腺化生组织中Caspase-3和hTERT的表达,比较两者表达的相关性。结果Caspase-3在BE中的阳性表达率为95.45%,明显高于在食管炎伴贲门腺或胃底腺化生组织中的表达(68.42%)(P=0.000);hTERT在BE中的阳性表达率为27.27%,明显低于在食管炎伴贲门腺或胃底腺化生组织中的表达(65.79%)(P=0.000)。BE中Caspase-3与hTERT的表达呈强负相关(r=-1,P=0.000)。结论BE中Caspase-3高表达,hTERT低表达。Caspase-3和hTERT在BE发生过程中起重要作用,可能成为预测BE发生的重要参考指标。

内镜热极技术联用抑酸剂治疗Barrett’s食管的临床观察

目的探讨内镜热极技术联用抑酸剂治疗Barrett’s食管的疗效。方法2006年8月～2007年8月经内镜和病理组织学检查诊断的Barrett’s食管患者100例，其中95例患者在内镜下采用热极治疗，术后口服抑酸剂巩固治疗，另5例患者仅口服抑酸剂治疗进行对照，两组均进行内镜及临床随访。结果95例患者经过1次热极治疗Barrett’s食管完全消除，术后38例（40％）出现胸骨后隐痛；54例患者半年后随访，总有效率为92．59％；对照组3例患者半年后随访，总有效率为0。结论热极联用抑酸剂治疗Barrett’s食管安全有效、短期疗效好。

短节段Barrett’s食管的内镜和病理分析

目的研究内镜和病理下短节段Barrett’s食管(SSBE)的临床症状、内镜分型和病理特征之间的关系。方法对140例内镜和病理诊断为SSBE的患者进行临床症状评估,组织标本HE染色,并对临床症状、内镜分型及病理特征之间的关系进行相关分析。结果SSBE的内镜检出率为9.75%,男女比为1.12∶1,平均发病年龄为51.64岁,有典型胃食管反流病(GERD)症状占70.00%;140例患者中反酸54例,烧心18例,胸骨后痛31例,上腹痛29例,无症状8例。140例患者中病理诊断胃底腺者30例,贲门腺者98例,肠上皮化生者12例;内镜诊断岛型54例,舌型66例,全周型20例。140例患者中贲门腺组反酸、烧心、胸骨后痛、无症状的发生率与其他两组比较明显增高。140例患者中贲门腺组内镜表现为舌型和岛型的检出率明显高于其他两组。主要临床症状的发生率在三种内镜类型之间比较差异无统计学意义。结论SSBE病理特征和胃食管反流症状的发生,以及病理特征和内镜分型之间均密切相关,SSBE临床症状和内镜分型之间无明显关系。

Barrett′s食管

Ｂａｒｒｅｔｔ’ｓ食管是指食管下段的正常复层鳞状上皮被化生的单层柱状上皮所取代。以食管与胃黏膜交界的连接线 (齿状线或Ｚ线 )为界 ,在Ｚ线 2ｃｍ以上出现柱状上皮者。又分为短段Ｂａｒｒｅｔｔ’ｓ食管 ( 【3ｃｍ)和长段Ｂａｒｒｅｔｔ’ｓ食管≥ 3ｃｍ。除少数先天性因素外 ,大多由胃食管反流病 (ＧＥＲＤ)引起。根据国外的调查资料 ,在因ＧＥＲＤ症状而行内镜检查的病人中 ,Ｂａｒｒｅｔｔ’ｓ食管的检出率约为 6%～ 12 % ,而在所有内镜检查的病人中 ,检出率为 0 .4 1%～0 .89%。目前已公认 ,Ｂａｒｒｅｔｔ’ｓ食管是在胃食管交界处发生腺癌的主要危险因素。