Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2026
Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
Discrete ulcers in Barrett's esophagus: relationship to acute gastrointestinal bleeding
P P Murphy1, P J Ballinger, B T Massey
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
Background And Study Aims:
Although discrete ulcers are a recognized complication of Barrett's esophagus, it is not clear how common discrete ulceration is in Barrett's mucosa. Furthermore, the relationship of gastrointestinal hemorrhage to Barrett's ulceration is unknown. These issues were investigated in this paper.
Methods:
Seventy-eight patients with histologically confirmed Barrett's esophagus were monitored by endoscopic surveillance over 1 to 11 years (mean 3.3 years). The incidence of a Barrett's ulcer was noted and its site recorded. The frequency of gastrointestinal hemorrhage at diagnosis or on follow-up was documented and the source of the bleeding was identified.
Results:
Discrete ulcers were identified in 36 of 78 patients (46%) at some time over the period of follow-up. Eight patients had two or more ulcers. Most of ulcers were in the distal esophagus; 86% of these were within 3 cm of the anatomic gastroesophageal junction. Nineteen patients (24%) either presented with active gastrointestinal bleeding or had bleeding at follow-up. In 15 of the 19 patients with bleeding (79%) a discrete Barrett's ulcer was the source of the hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
Ulceration is a common complication of Barrett's esophagus. These ulcers are usually located close the gastroesophageal junction and have a high incidence of bleeding.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
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
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications