[Endoscopic diagnosis of oesophagitis: problems of differentiation from normal (author's transl)]

The diagnostic significance of endoscopically early signs of oesophagitis in the absence of macroscopic evidence of epithelial abnormalities has been studied prospectively. Changes from the usually observed shininess, pale-pink colour, smooth texture, regular capillaries, sharp Z-line and a decreased mechanical resistance of the mucosa to mechanical damage do not indicate oesophagitis. Nor should one infer gastro-oesophageal reflux from these endoscopic findings. They are presumably ageing changes in the oesophagus.