Progression of cimetidine-treated reflux esophagitis to a Barrett's stricture

A patient is described who developed a peptic stricture of the esophagus associated with Barrett's epithelium while receiving continuous cimetidine therapy. At this time, the role of cimetidine in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux is evolving and, although it may provide symptomatic relief on some occasions, this report suggests that its role in improving the histological changes related to esophagitis or influencing complications of this disease has not been clarified.