[Non-erosive reflux disease in endoscopy and histopathology]

Non-erosive reflux disease is presented in reflux diseases classifications not adequately Many esophageal lesions were described in different endoscopic techniques but not one classification was proposed. In many patients with signs of prolonged gastro-esophageal reflux in endoscopic assessment pale mucosa above gastro-esophageal junction was observed. In some patients color of esophagus in distal part becomes white and grey. We decided to check what histological lesions appear in all endoscopically visible lesions.

We analyzed 29 patients with chronic reflux disease and with endoscopic assessment of upper alimentary tract in which white color was observed in distal part of esophagus was observed. Biopses were taken from sites at least 2 cm from Z-line. Endoscopic assessment was performed by one endoscopist specialized in reflux disease. Biopsies were assessed by one pathologist specialized in upper alimentary tract diseases assessment.

In all cases biopsies taken from distal esophageal, white-coloured mucosa were assessed by pathologist as esophagitis caused by gastro-esophageal reflux.

White color of the distal part of esophagus in patients with chronic reflux disease is unanimously associated with microscopic lesions associated with reflux disease.