Barrett Esophagus : Low-grade Dysplasia
Image Description
Barrett esophagus (BE) with low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Note the resemblance to tubular adenomas of colon. Features of LGD in BE are discussed in slide 17.
Image courtesy of: Phoenix Bell, MD.
Image courtesy of: Phoenix Bell, MD.
About the Disease
Barrett esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic replacement of the stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus with columnar epithelium containing goblet cells. US definition requires intestinal metaplasia. In Japan and the UK, goblet cells are not required for the diagnosis. BE is a preneoplastic lesion and increases the risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). BE is found in about 5-10% of individuals with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is more common white males with a median age at diagnosis of 55 years. Diagnosis requires both endoscopic and histologic findings. At endoscopy, Barrett mucosa appears orange-pink (salmon colored) and velvety in contrast to pale pink glossy squamous mucosa. In short-segment and long-segment BE, metaplastic epithelium lines < 3 cm or ≥ 3 cm of the distal esophagus respectively. Biopsies are classified as neg. for dysplasia, indefinite for dysplasia, and positive for LGD or HGD. Patients with non-neoplastic BE develop LGD at the rate of 4.3% per year, and HGD at the rate of 0.9% per year. The rate of progression to cancer within 5 years is 20% with LGD and 50% with HGD. Abnormalities in CDKN2A and TP53 may indicate higher risk of progression. Treatment of BE without dysplasia consists of proton pump inhibitors. Patients undergo surveillance endoscopy every 3-5 years. BE with dysplasia can be treated with endoscopic ablation or resection techniques. References:Iacobuzio-Donahue, C. A. & Montgomery E. (2012). Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology - 2nd Edition. Feldman, M., Friedman, L. S., & Brandt, L. J. (2020). Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal & Liver Disease - 11th Edition. Arnold C, Lam-Hamlin D, and Montgomery E. (2019). Atlas of Gastrointestinal Pathology : A Pattern Based Approach to Neoplastic Biopsies - First Edition. Odze & Goldblum Surgical Pathology of the GI Tract, Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas (2014). 3rd edition. Goldblum, J. R. et al (2018). Rosai and Ackerman's Surgical Pathology - Eleventh Edition.