Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
06:55
Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
Barrett's esophagus in childhood
Gastroenterology
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Barrett's esophagus in children often presents with reflux symptoms and strictures, requiring surgery. Diagnosis certainty relies on multiple esophageal biopsies, as typical endoscopic signs may be absent.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
Background:
- Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a condition where the esophagus lining changes due to chronic acid reflux.
- In children, BE is often associated with long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical, radiologic, functional, endoscopic, and histologic features of Barrett's esophagus in pediatric patients.
- To compare the presentation of pediatric BE with adult cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 children (aged 6-14) diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.
- Inclusion of clinical data, esophageal function tests, endoscopy, and biopsy results.
Main Results:
- All patients had long-standing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, often starting in infancy.
- Eight patients had esophageal strictures, and 10 required fundoplication (anti-reflux surgery).
- Histology confirmed columnar-lined epithelium in biopsy specimens from multiple esophageal levels; 5 patients had specialized intestinal metaplasia.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric Barrett's esophagus shares similarities with adult forms but presents more frequently with strictures.
- Gastroesophageal reflux is the primary cause; BE is a common indication for antireflux surgery in children.
- Multiple biopsies are crucial for accurate diagnosis and to avoid misdiagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
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)...
01:25Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...