Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
Published on: October 17, 2013
Intestinal metaplasia at the squamocolumnar junction in patients attending for diagnostic gastroscopy
N J Trudgill1, S K Suvarna, K C Kapur
1Department of Gastroenterology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Background:
The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and gastric cardia is increasing rapidly. Barrett's oesophagus is the major risk factor. Intestinal metaplasia at the squamocolumnar junction in the absence of Barrett's oesophagus is common but its relation to adenocarcinoma and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is unclear.
Aims:
To study the prevalence and clinical, endoscopic, and histological associations of intestinal metaplasia at the squamocolumnar junction.
Methods:
Biopsy specimens were taken from 120 randomly selected patients undergoing routine diagnostic endoscopy. Eight biopsy specimens, taken from above and below the squamocolumnar junction, gastric fundus, and gastric antrum, were stained with haematoxylin/eosin, alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff, and Gimenez, and graded independently by one pathologist.
Results:
Intestinal metaplasia at the squamocolumnar junction was found in 21 patients (18%). Metaplasia was associated with increasing age (p < 0.01) and antral intestinal metaplasia (p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age was the only independent predictor (p < 0.01). There was no association with symptomatic, endoscopic, or histological markers of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Conclusions:
Intestinal metaplasia at the squamocolumnar junction is a common finding. It is associated with increasing age but not gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

