Barrett oesophagus: analysis of 19 cases

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Barrett oesophagus is a premalignant condition of the esophagus.
• Radiological findings can be associated with Barrett oesophagus but are not definitive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the radiological findings in patients with Barrett oesophagus.
• To assess the utility of imaging in diagnosing Barrett oesophagus.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 19 cases diagnosed with Barrett oesophagus.
• Analysis of radiological findings including hiatus hernia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, strictures, and oesophagitis.
• Evaluation of specific mucosal patterns like the lace-like reticular pattern.

Main Results:

• Common radiological findings included hiatus hernia, reflux, strictures (most commonly distal), and oesophagitis.
• A lace-like reticular pattern was observed in one case (1/15) with air-contrast views, associated with a stricture.
• Seven patients (7/19) showed only non-specific findings of reflux or a normal examination, indicating limited radiological suspicion.

Conclusions:

• Barrett oesophagus is primarily a histological diagnosis.
• Radiological findings are often non-specific and can be absent, underscoring the need for histological confirmation.
• The low incidence of specific radiological signs emphasizes their limited role in definitive diagnosis.