Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
06:55
Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
Columnar mucosa in the proximal esophagus
C Van Asche1, A E Rahm, F Goldner
1Gastroenterology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-6200.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Columnar mucosa in the proximal esophagus is more common than previously thought and often missed during endoscopy. Biopsies confirm this finding, suggesting a congenital origin rather than Barrett's epithelium.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Columnar mucosa in the proximal esophagus is an underrecognized finding.
- It may be overlooked during standard endoscopic examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the endoscopic and histopathological features of proximal esophageal columnar mucosa.
- To investigate its potential origins and relationship to Barrett's epithelium.
Main Methods:
- Review of twelve cases with columnar mucosa in the proximal esophagus.
- Endoscopic examination and histopathological analysis including biopsy.
Main Results:
- Columnar mucosa with parietal cells was confirmed in 11 of 12 cases.
- The lesion has a distinct endoscopic appearance but is frequently overlooked.
- It is differentiated from Barrett's epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Proximal esophageal columnar mucosa is a distinct entity, potentially congenital.
- Endoscopic vigilance and biopsy are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Histology of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
The GI tract, from beginning to end, is made up of four continuous tissue layers that adjust their structure according to their specific roles. These layers, from innermost to outermost, are known as the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa, which are continuous with the mesentery.
The mucosa is sometimes called a mucous membrane due to its mucus-secreting features. This membrane is composed of epithelium, which directly interacts with ingested substances, and the lamina propria, a layer...
The mucosa is sometimes called a mucous membrane due to its mucus-secreting features. This membrane is composed of epithelium, which directly interacts with ingested substances, and the lamina propria, a layer...
01:24Esophagus
The esophagus, a muscular conduit linking the pharynx and stomach, measures roughly 10 inches (25.4 cm) and sits behind the trachea. It remains collapsed when not swallowing. The esophagus follows a predominantly straight path through the thoracic mediastinum and enters the abdominal cavity through a diaphragmatic opening known as the esophageal hiatus.
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
01:25Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...