A 60-year-old man with longstanding GORD undergoes upper GI endoscopy that shows replacement of the normal squamous epithelium in the distal oesophagus with salmon-pink metaplastic columnar epithelium confirmed as intestinal metaplasia on biopsy. This finding is:
- A Barrett's oesophagus ✓
- B Reflux oesophagitis
- C Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
- D Schatzki ring
Correct answer: A. Barrett's oesophagus
Explanation
Barrett's oesophagus is defined as intestinal metaplasia (specialised columnar epithelium with goblet cells) replacing normal squamous epithelium in the distal oesophagus as a consequence of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux. It is a premalignant condition that predisposes to oesophageal adenocarcinoma; patients require surveillance endoscopy every 3-5 years, or more frequently if dysplasia is found. Reflux oesophagitis shows mucosal erythema and erosions without metaplasia.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.