[Reflux esophagitis: clinico-endoscopic aspects]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive Diseases

Context:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its manifestation, reflux esophagitis, remain incompletely understood regarding prevalence and underlying mechanisms.
• Endoscopic examination is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating esophageal conditions.

Purpose:

• To investigate the incidence and physiopathology of reflux esophagitis in patients undergoing endoscopic evaluation.
• To assess the diagnostic utility of patient history, radiology, and endoscopic staging systems.

Summary:

• Reflux esophagitis was diagnosed in 13.6% of patients, comparable to ulcer incidence.
• Patient history (anamnesis) proved sufficient for diagnosis in two-thirds of cases.
• Severe reflux esophagitis correlated with hiatus hernia and lifestyle factors (tobacco, alcohol).
• Routine radiology showed limited diagnostic value, while the Savary classification aided endoscopic diagnosis and staging.

Impact:

• Highlights the significant incidence of reflux esophagitis, emphasizing the need for better understanding and management.
• Underscores the importance of endoscopy and the Savary classification in diagnosing and staging reflux esophagitis.
• Provides insights into risk factors associated with severe reflux esophagitis, informing clinical practice and patient counseling.