[Reflux esophagitis: clinico-endoscopic aspects]

Though long well known, reflux oesophagitis is as yet poorly understood in terms of both incidence and physiopathology. These aspects of gastrooesophageal reflux were studied in a group of patients subjected to endoscopic examination. The 13.6% incidence of the condition was very similar to the encountered incidence of ulcers. In two thirds of the cases, anamnesis is sufficient for correct diagnosis. In its more severe forms, reflux oesophagitis is associated with hiatus hernia and overindulgence in tobacco or alcohol. Routine radiology is practically or completely useless for the diagnosis of reflux oesophagitis. The use of the Savary classification system facilitates endoscopic diagnosis and staging.