Long-segment Barrett's Esophagus Research Articles

Adjunctive Use of WATS-3D in Symptomatic GERD Patients Increases Detection of Barrett's Esophagus and Dysplasia.

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms undergoing screening upper endoscopy for Barrett's esophagus (BE) frequently demonstrate columnar-lined epithelium (CLE), with forceps biopsies (FB) failing to yield intestinal metaplasia (IM). Repeat endoscopy is often necessary. Assess the yield of IM leading to a diagnosis of BE by the addition of Wide-Area Trans-epithelial Sampling (WATS-3D) to FB in the screening of GERD patients. We performed a prospective registry study of GERD patients undergoing screening upper endoscopy. Patients had both WATS-3D and FB. Patients were classified by their Z line appearance: regular, irregular (<1 cm CLE), possible short-segment BE (1-<3cm), and possible long-segment BE (≥3cm). Demographics, IM yield, and dysplasia yield were calculated. Adjunctive yield was defined as cases identified by WATS-3D not detected by FB, divided by cases detected by FB. Clinicians were asked if WATS-3D results impacted patient management. Of 23,933 patients, 6,829(28.5%) met endoscopic criteria for BE. Of these, 2,878(42.1%) had IM identified by either FB or WATS-3D. Among patients fulfilling endoscopic criteria for BE, the adjunctive yield of WATS-3D was 76.5%, and absolute yield was 18.1%. 1,317 patients (19.3%) who fulfilled endoscopic BE criteria had IM detected solely by WATS-3D. Of 240 patients with dysplasia, 107(44.6%) were found solely by WATS-3D. Among patients with positive WATS-3D but negative FB, the care plan changed in 90.7%. The addition of WATS-3D to FB in GERD patients being screened for BE resulted in confirmation of BE in an additional 1/5 th of patients. Furthermore, dysplasia diagnoses approximately doubled.

A219 EARLY CANADIAN EXPERIENCE WITH BALLOON CRYOTHERAPY FOR BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS

Abstract Background Balloon Cryotherapy (bCr) is a novel endoscopic treatment modality for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) associated dysplasia. Cryotherapy offers an additional approach, particularly in cases refractory to or with an anatomical impediment to radiofrequency ablation (RFA), currently first line in endoscopic eradiation therapy (EET). The use of bCr is new in Canada and it was introduced in Alberta in February 2023. Aims To present the early experience of bCr use for BE from a provincial Canadian cohort. Methods An Alberta health technology assessment approved bCr, which was then incorporated into the provincial BE treatment algorithm. Indications for bCr include: 1) RFA-refractory, 2) anatomical impediment to RFA, 3) need for concomitant biopsy/EMR, and 4) pain with RFA. All patients who underwent bCr for BE in Alberta from February to September 2023 at two tertiary care centers were included. Data on demographics, BE lesion characteristics, prior BE treatments, and bCr use are presented. Results During the 8-month period, 22 patients underwent a total of 32 bCr treatments. The median age was 68, with 77% of patients being male. At baseline, 81% had long-segment BE (≥3 cm), with a median maximal BE length of 7cm. The majority had baseline histology of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) (n=11, 50%), followed by low-grade dysplasia (LGD) (n=5, 22%), T1a (n=4, 18%), T1b (n=1, 4.5%), and intestinal metaplasia (IM) (n=1, 4.5%). All patients had previously received EET, with 77% undergoing a combination of EMR, RFA, APC, and/or ESD. Most had received RFA (n=18, 81%, median sessions=5) and EMR (n=13, 59%, median sessions=2). Some had prior APC (n=10, 45%, median sessions=1) and one had ESD. Prior to bCr, most patients had converted to short-segment (ampersand:003C3cm) BE (n=16, 72%), and histology was predominately IM (31%), followed by visible BE though no biopsy (27%), HGD (22%), T1a (13%), and LGD (4.5%). The primary indication for bCr was RFA-refractory BE (n=17, 77%), followed by anatomical impediment to RFA (n=4, 18%), and concomitant EMR (n=1, 4%). No procedures were aborted due to technical difficulties and there were no major adverse events such as perforation, bleeding, or pain requiring hospitalization. Among those with follow-up after a bCr session (n=19, 59%), one reported pain, two reported self-limited dysphagia, and one had a stricture requiring dilation. Of the 7 patients with post-bCr endoscopy, all had no dysplasia on the first set of biopsies (no IM, n=4; IM, n=2; indefinite for dysplasia, n=1). Conclusions Our early experience with bCr demonstrates there is a need for additional EET for BE. Cryotherapy, in accordance with gastroenterology society guidelines, is a promising next step in the BE algorithm. In our provincial cohort, bCr has shown technical success, and preliminary data suggests that it is safe and effective in ablating resistant BE segments. Funding Agencies None

Association between hiatal hernia and Barrett's esophagus: an updated meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is critical to recognize the risk factors associated with BE. The present meta-analysis aims to systematically estimate the association of hiatal hernia with the risk of BE. A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted ORs (aORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the combined estimation of unadjusted data and data adjusted for confounders, respectively. Heterogeneity was quantified using the Cochrane Q test and I² statistics. Subgroup, meta-regression, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were employed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Forty-seven studies with 131,517 participants were included. Based on the unadjusted data from 47 studies, hiatal hernia was significantly associated with an increased risk of any length BE (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 3.31-4.62, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was significant (I² = 77%; p < 0.001) and the definition of controls (p = 0.014) might be a potential contributor to heterogeneity. Based on the adjusted data from 14 studies, this positive association remained (aOR = 3.26, 95% CI = 2.44-4.35, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was also significant (I² = 65%; p < 0.001). Meta-analysis of seven studies demonstrated that hiatal hernia was significantly associated with an increased risk of long-segment BE (LSBE) (OR = 10.01, 95% CI = 4.16-24.06, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was significant (I² = 78%; p < 0.001). Meta-analysis of seven studies also demonstrated that hiatal hernia was significantly associated with an increased risk of short-segment BE (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 2.05-3.71, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 30%; p = 0.201). Hiatal hernia should be a significant risk factor for BE, especially LSBE. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022367376.

295. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ABDOMINAL FAT DISTRIBUTION AND PROGRESSION OF BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS TO ADENOCARCINOMA

Abstract Background Obesity was known to be a risk factor of the incidence of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and Barrett’s esophageal adenocarcinoma (BEA). Especially excessive visceral fat has recently reported to promote some cancers, including BEA. This study aimed to clarify the impact of abdominal fat distribution on the progression of BE to adenocarcinoma in long-segment BE (LSBE) and short-segment BE (SSBE). Methods Study 1: We retrospectively reviewed the 124 patients with pathologically defined superficial BEA who underwent endoscopic resection, including 4 endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and 85 endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), or surgical operation (35 esophagectomy) in our institution between January 2004 and December 2018. 124 BEA cases included 34 LSBE (length ≥ 3 cm) cases and 90 SSBE (length ≥ 1 and &amp;lt; 3 cm) cases. Using computed tomography volumetry, we measured areas of visceral (VFA) and subcutaneous (SFA) fat at the level of the umbilicus, and calculated the VFA/SFA ratio in each patient, defining high-VFA/SFA ratio (≧1.0) and low-VFA/SFA ratio (&amp;lt;1.0). VFA/SFA ratio were compared and analyzed between BEA with LSBE group and BEA with SSBE group. Study2: We divided 62 patients who had LSBE into two groups based on prognosis of BEA; BEA with LSBE (34 patients) and non-BEA with LSBE group (18 patients). Abovementioned parameters were compared and analyzed between these two groups. Study3: Abovementioned parameters were compared and analyzed between BEA with SSBE (90 cases) and non-BEA with SSBE group (100 controls). Results study1: High VS ratio were seen in 22 (64.7%) patients among BEA with LSBE group and 34 (37.8%) patients among BEA with SSBE group, which is statistically significant (p = 0.0072). Study2: High VS ratio were seen in 6 (33.3%) patients among non-BEA with LSBE group. This result was statistically significant compared to BEA with LSBE group (0.038). Study3: In non-BEA with SSBE, 32 patients (32.0%) had High VS ratio, showing no significant difference compared to BEA with SSBE. Conclusion High VFA/SFA ratio was significantly associated with progression of long-segment Barrett’s esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

341. THE PREDICTION STRATEGY OF SUBMUCOSAL INVASION IN SUPERFICIAL BARRETT’S ADENOCARCINOMA BY THE COMBINATION OF HISTOLOGY IN BIOPSY AND MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY

Abstract Background Endoscopically predicting the depth of invasion of superficial Barrett’s esophageal adenocarcinoma (s-BEA) is important for choosing an appropriate treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the endoscopic and histopathological characteristics to diagnose s-BEA with submucosal invasion. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 105 tumors from 97 patients endoscopically and pathologically diagnosed with s-BEA in short-segment Barrett’s esophagus (SSBE) (60 lesions in 60 patients) and long-segment Barrett’s esophagus (LSBE) (45 lesions in 37 patients). One hundred five s-BEA lesions were classified into 60 intramucosal (pT1a) tumors and 45 submucosal (pT1b) tumors. Clinicopathological and endoscopic characteristics, including the histology in the biopsy specimens, were analyzed with comparison in pT1a vs pT1b tumors. The histology in the biopsy specimens was classified into two types such as the presence or absence of poorly differentiated component (PDC). Risk factors for submucosal invasion identified using univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, the findings of magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) were assessed to determine whether the poorly differentiated component (PDC) in the resected specimens can be identified or not. Results pT1b tumors showed significantly higher frequency than pT1a tumors in the following features: PDC in the biopsy specimens (21/45, 46.7%; vs 1/60, 1.7%; OR = 24.8), complex macroscopic type (33/45, 73.3%; vs 15/60, 25.0%; OR = 4.47), and tumor diameter &amp;gt; 20 mm (31/45, 68.9%; vs 13/60, 21.7%; OR = 4.40). In 87 tumors which were able to be evaluated for endoscopic findings with ME-NBI, 9 out of 11 tumors with corkscrew pattern or wavy micro-vessels showed PDC in the resected specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predicted value of these irregular vessels for predicting PDC in the resected specimens were 40.9%, 96.9%, and 81.8%, respectively. Conclusion PDC in the biopsy specimens, tumor diameter &amp;gt; 20 mm, and complex macroscopic type were independent predictors for submucosal invasion of BEA. The presence of PDC in the biopsy specimens was an especially useful predictor of T1b cancer with the highest odds. Further, ME-NBI can be useful to diagnose the presence of PDC in BEA.

303. THE TISSUE SYSTEMS PATHOLOGY-9 TEST PROVIDES CLINICALLY-IMPACTFUL RISK STRATIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS: CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN A MULTICENTER COHORT

Abstract Background Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Society guidelines recommend surveillance of BE by endoscopy with biopsies with the goal of detecting dysplasia and EAC at early, treatable stages. However, current practices have limited ability to predict which patients with BE will progress to EAC. This study evaluated the use of the validated, commercially-available tissue systems pathology test (TissueCypher, TSP-9) to risk-stratify BE patients in a large clinical practice cohort. Methods TSP-9 test results ordered by 475 physicians from June 2016 to January 2023 for 3935 patients with BE with clinicopathologic data were analyzed. The test orders were from private practices and integrated healthcare systems (92.8%) and academic medical centers (7.2%). Submitted diagnoses were non-dysplastic BE (NDBE, n = 3553, 90.3%), indefinite for dysplasia (IND, n = 190, 4.8%), low-grade dysplasia (LGD, n = 112, 2.8%), or other (BE with sub-category not clearly specified, n = 80, 2.0%). The TSP-9 results (risk classes of low-, intermediate- or high-risk and predicted probability of progression to HGD/EAC within 5 years) were evaluated in all patients. Results The TSP-9 test scored 3267 (83.0%), 377 (9.6%), and 291 (7.4%) low-, intermediate- and high-risk, respectively. The TSP-9 test identified risk for progression in NDBE, IND, and LGD subsets, in males and females, and in patients with short- and long-segment BE (Fig. 1). The test scored 15.2% of NDBE patients as intermediate or high-risk. Patients with NDBE who received TSP-9 intermediate- and high-risk scores had predicted 5-year risk of progression to HGD/EAC of 8.1% and 16.2%, respectively, which are higher than progression rates in BE patients with LGD (6.7% in 5 years) for whom guidelines recommend endoscopic eradication therapy. Conclusions TSP-9 risk-stratified for progression independently of clinicopathologic features in a cohort of 3935 BE patients. The majority of BE patients scored low-risk, providing support for surveillance-only management. The test identified 15.2% of NDBE patients as intermediate/high-risk for progression, indicating that the test can enable early detection of patients who will benefit from escalation of care to prevent EAC. The TSP-9 test provides objective results to enable risk-aligned management to improve health outcomes for BE patients.

Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma had significantly better outcomes than patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction.

Recent genomic studies by the Cancer Genome Atlas show much simpler genomic profiles in distal esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) than in adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (AGEJ). However, the prognostic significance of categorizing patients in these two cancer groups remains unknown. We studied clinicopathologic and prognostic features of both cancers in 303 consecutive patients treated at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System over a 20-year period. Using uniform criteria and standardized routines, we studied and statistically compared the clinicopathologic and prognostic features between EAC and AGEJ. In this cohort, over 99% of patients were white men with mean age of 69.1 years and an average body mass index of 28.0. No significant difference was detected in age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, and history of tobacco abuse between the two groups. Compared to AGEJ patients, a significantly higher proportion of EAC patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease, long-segment Barrett's esophagus, common adenocarcinoma type, smaller tumor size, better differentiation, more stages I/II but fewer stages III/IV diseases, scarcer lymphovascular invasion, fewer nodal and distant metastases, and better overall, disease-free, and relapse-free survival. The 5-year overall survival rate was significantly higher in EAC patients (41.3%) than in AGEJ patients (17.2%) (p<0.001). This improved survival among EAC patients remained significant after censoring all cases discovered during surveillance, suggesting different pathogenesis mechanisms between EAC and AGEJ. Our findings suggest that EAC patients showed significantly better outcomes than AGEJ patients. Our results require validation in other patient populations.

Esophageal Hypocontractile Disorders and Hiatal Hernia Size Are Predictors for Long Segment Barrett’s Esophagus

Presently, there is paucity of information about clinical predictors, especially esophageal motor abnormalities, for long segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE) as compared with short segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE). The aims of this study are to compare the frequency of esophageal function abnormalities between patients with LSBE and those with SSBE and to determine their clinical predictors. This was a multicenter cohort study that included all patients with a diagnosis of BE who underwent high-resolution esophageal manometry. Motility disorders were categorized as hypercontractile disorders or hypocontractile disorders and their frequency was compared between patients with LSBE and those with SSBE. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to calculate the odds of being diagnosed with LSBE relative to SSBE for demographics, comorbidities, medication use, endoscopic findings, and the type of motility disorders. A total of 148 patients with BE were identified, of which 89 (60.1%) had SSBE and 59 (39.9%) LSBE. Patients with LSBE had a significantly larger hiatal hernia and higher likelihood of erosive esophagitis than patients with SSBE (P = 0.002). Patients with LSBE had a significantly lower mean LES resting pressure, distal contractile integral, distal latency, and significantly higher failed swallows and hypocontractile motility disorders than those with SSBE (P < 0.05). Hiatal hernia and hypocontractile motility disorder increased the odds of LSBE by 38.0% and 242.0%, as opposed to SSBE. The presence of a hypocontractile motility disorder increased the risk for LSBE. Furthermore, the risk for LSBE was directly associated with the length of the hiatal hernia.

Development and validation of a prediction model for histologic progression in patients with nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus.

Patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) are at risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We developed a model to predict histologic progression in patients with nondysplastic BE (NDBE). A longitudinal study in three referral centers was performed between January 2010 and December 2019. As progression to low-grade dysplasia (LGD) can be considered an indication for ablative therapy, the study end-point was histopathologic progression to LGD, high-grade dysplasia, or EAC at 3 years after diagnosis. We used logistic regression to create the model. Seventy percent of the cohort were used to stem the model and the remaining 30% for internal validation. A total of 542 patients were included, 69.4% of whom were male, mean age 62.2 years. Long-segment BE at index endoscopy was diagnosed in 20.8% of the patients. After a mean follow-up of 6.7 years, 133 patients (24.5%) had histologic progression. Our model identified a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77-2.32, P < 0.001), BE length (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09-1.36, P < 0.001), age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05, P=0.02), smoking (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.09-2.75, P=0.04), and renal failure (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.93-2.43, P=0.07) as predictors of histologic progression at 3 years. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of this model were 0.88 and 0.76 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. This novel, internally validated model may predict histologic progression, even in patients with NDBE who generally have low rates of progression over time, and may contribute to enhanced patient selection for more intense surveillance programs.

Long-term (18 Years) Results of Patients With Long-segment Barrett Esophagus Submitted to Acid Suppression-duodenal Diversion Operation: Better Than Nissen Fundoplication?

To determine late results of AS-DD procedure in long-segment (LSBE) and extralong-segment BE (ELSBE) using subjective and objective measurements to ascertain the histological impact over intestinal metaplasia (IM) and progression to EAC. Barrett esophagus (BE) is a known precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and Nissen fundoplication has proven to be unable to stop mixed reflux among them. Our group proposed a surgical procedure that handles pathophysiological changes responsible for BE. This prospective study included 127 LSBE and ELSBE subjects submitted to clinical and functional analyses. They were presented to selective vagotomy, fundoplication, partial gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The changes in IM were determined in both groups. Follow-up was completed at a mean of 18 years in 81% of the cases. Visick I-II scores were seen in 88% of LSBE and 65% in ELSBE ( P < 0.01). There was significant healing of erosive esophagitis and esophageal peptic ulcers, and strictures were resolved in 71%. There was 38% of IM regression in LSBE. Two cases in each group progressed to EAC at a mean of 15 years. Pathologic acid reflux was abolished in 91% and duodenal in 100%. There was a regression of low-grade dysplasia to IM in 80%. AS-DD permanently eliminates pathologic refluxate to the esophagus. The progression to HGD/EAC is lower compared to medical treatment, with an 8-fold reduction in LSBE and 2.2-fold in ELSBE. AS-DD seems to influence IM behaviors, and it is a tool that could reduce and delay progression to EAC.

Circumferential Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of long-segment Barrett's Esophagus with Multifocal High-Grade Dysplasia

AbstractIn a case of long-segment Barrett's esophagus with multifocal high-grade dysplasia with multiple comorbidities, circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed. Following the procedure, the esophageal stricture was also managed.

488. RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION OF LOW-GRADE DYSPLASIA IS COST-EFFECTIVE FOR PATIENTS WITH LONG-SEGMENT BARRETT'S OESOPHAGUS

Abstract Barrett’s oesophagus is a precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), which can be lethal if found at late stages. Stages of Barrett's oesophagus are generally divided into non-dysplasia or dysplasia. There is little doubt that patients with high-grade dysplasia require endoscopic intervention, usually with ablative techniques. Endoscopic treatment of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) has been more controversial, however. Our main aim was to improve cost-effectiveness of LGD ablation using length of Barrett's oesophagus to select high-risk individuals. A cost-utility analysis was undertaken using a Markov cohort model, which simulated progression and regression of non-dysplastic Barrett’s oesophagus (NDBE) to EAC (cycle length of 6 months, time horizon of 35 years). Health states included: NDBE, regression of metaplasia, low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), EAC, and death. Cost pertaining to investigations and treatments were sourced from local health network. Quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) data were taken from literature values. Initial estimates of transition probabilities between health states were derived from literature and calibrated to lifetime risk of HGD and OAC using standardised methodology. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were conducted. Several strategies (39 total) were tested in this cost-utility analysis and were broadly divided into selective (length-based) or non-selective LGD ablation. In addition to LGD ablation, surveillance intervals for NDBE were altered to improve cost-effectiveness. In non-selective group of strategies, only 1 was found to be cost-effective, whereas 24 of 28 length-based LGD ablation strategies were found to be cost-effective (at a willingness to pay threshold of AU$50,000/QALY). Probabilistic analysis (1000 simulations) showed that exclusion of individuals with short segment Barrett's oesophagus (SSBE) from surveillance with ablation of LGD in long-segment Barrett's oesophagus (LSBE) was the most cost-effective strategy (AU$33,031/QALY). Patients with long-segment Barrett's oesophagus are at significantly higher risk of progression to adenocarcinoma. Results of this study indicate reducing endoscopic surveillance for SSBE with routine surveillance for LSBE with ablation of LGD when detected is cost-effective in 100% of the simulations. Several studies in recent years have shown similar results. Thus ablation of LGD in Barrett's oesophagus requires serious consideration, especially for high-risk individuals.

Analysis of Barrett’s Esophagus and Its Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of 10,122 Subjects at a Japanese Health Examination Center

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori eradication is expected to significantly change the prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). However, few reports on this relationship exist. We analyzed the risk factors of BE using the current consensus on length of BE considering H. pylori infection status. Methods: We analyzed 10,122 individuals (5,962 men; mean age = 52.9 ± 9.9 years) who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy as part of a medical checkup. Correlations among factors including H. pylori infectious status, endoscopic findings, and BE ≥1 cm were analyzed. Results: Prevalence of BE, long-segment BE, and esophageal adenocarcinoma was 22.5%, 0.014%, and 0%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for BE were hiatal hernia (odds ratio [OR]: 2.89 [2.59–3.24]), female sex (OR: 0.52 [0.46–0.59]), social drinking (OR:0.77 [0.68–0.87]), H. pylori eradication therapy (OR: 1.34 [1.19–1.51]), proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use (OR: 1.52 [1.18–1.96]), bile reflux (OR: 1.18 [1.04–1.33]), age ≥50 years (OR: 1.13 [1.02–1.26]), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use (OR: 1.29 [1.02–1.62]). Although reflux esophagitis (RE) was more common in H. pylori-negative patients (17.2%) than in those after H. pylori eradication therapy (11.8%, p < 0.00001), the latter was correlated with BE, disputing RE as a strong risk factor for BE. Therefore, we conducted a subgroup analysis; most of the risk factors except for PPI use (p = 0.75), H2-receptor antagonist use (p = 0.078), and atrophic gastritis absence (p = 0.72) were positively correlated with BE after H. pylori eradication therapy compared with H. pylori-negative status. Conclusions: H. pylori eradication, bile reflux, PPI use, and NSAID use were risk factors for BE along with hiatal hernia, male sex, and older age.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for nodular Barrett’s esophagus

Background Although Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) was proven superior to Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) in achieving higher complete remission rates for neoplastic Barrett’s Esophagus (BE), its safety with Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) remains unstudied. We share our experience with ESD + RFA for nodular BE eradication. Methods A retrospective study of all patients ≥18-years with nodular BE who underwent ESD + RFA between September 2015 and December 2020 at our tertiary center. Patients with advanced adenocarcinoma requiring esophagectomy were excluded. Primary outcomes included adverse events (AE) rates and complete eradication rates for adenocarcinoma (CE-EAC), dysplasia (CE-D), and intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). Secondary outcomes included local recurrence rates following eradication. Results Eighteen patients were included with a total of 22 ESDs performed and a median of 2 RFA sessions-per-patient [IQR: 1.25, 3]. Sixteen patients were males and/or white (88.9%) with a median BMI of 29.75 kg/m2 [IQR: 26.9, 31.5]. Fourteen patients had long-segment BE (77.7%) while 16 had hiatal hernias (88.9%). Median resection size was 12.1 cm2 [IQR: 5.6, 20.2]. AEs included one intraprocedural micro-perforation (4.5%) and 4 strictures (22.2%), only one of which developed post-RFA. All AEs were successfully treated endoscopically. Over a median of 42.5 months [IQR: 28, 59.25], CE-EAC was achieved in 13 patients (100%), CE-D in 15 patients (100%), and CE-IM in 14 patients (77.8%). Following eradication, 2 patients had recurrent dysplasia (2/15, 13.3%) and one had recurrent intestinal metaplasia (1/14, 7.1%). Conclusion In high-risk patients with long-segment neoplastic BE requiring extensive endoscopic resection, ESD + RFA offers excellent complete eradication rates with rare additional adverse events by RFA. Standard endoscopic surveillance following eradication remains important.

Clinicopathological Characteristics of Superficial Barrett's Adenocarcinoma in a Japanese Population: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study.

Objective Although Barrett's adenocarcinoma (BA) remains a minor disease in Japan, its incidence has been gradually increasing. We analyzed the characteristics of BA in Japanese populations. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records and analyzed the clinicopathological differences between short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) and long-segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE), as well as metastasis. Local recurrence and metachronous lesions were analyzed only in patients who underwent endoscopic resection (ER). Patients Consecutive patients who had pathological T1 BAs resected by ER or surgery from January 2003 to December 2017. Results A total of 168 patients were analyzed, including 139 with SSBE and 29 with LSBE. In total, 67% of the SSBE lesions and 32% of the LSBE lesions were located between 0 and 3 o'clock (p=0.0014). No patients who achieved pathological margin-free resection (pR0) and 17% of patients who did not achieve pR0 experienced local recurrence (p=0.0131). None of the patients without lymphovascular involvement, a poorly differentiated component, lesion size of ＞30 mm, and submucosal invasion of ＞500 μm experienced metastasis. The 5-year cumulative incidence rate of metachronous BA after ER was 0% in patients with SSBE and 40% in patients with LSBE (p=0.0005). Conclusion Superficial BA was likely to be detected at the right anterior wall of SSBE in the Japanese population. The risk for metachronous BA after ER was high in Japanese patients with LSBE, as in Western patients.

Multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing forceps biopsy sampling with wide-area transepithelial sampling brush for detecting intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia during routine upper endoscopy

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the esophagus is a potentially premalignant mucosal change. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of IM detection during upper endoscopy by forceps biopsy sampling (FB) versus wide-area transepithelial sampling (WATS) brush. Patients presenting for upper endoscopy for foregut symptoms or surveillance of Barrett's esophagus (BE) at 9 centers in the United States were randomized to either FB or WATS. Of 1002 patients, FB was done in 505 and WATS in 497. The overall frequency of finding IM was 21% and was similar with FB (19.6%) and WATS (22.7%, P= .2). Low-grade dysplasia was found in 8 patients. No patient had high-grade dysplasia. There was no difference in detection of dysplasia between FB and WATS. In patients with no history of IM, WATS found significantly more IM compared with FB when a columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) was present (32.4% with WATS vs 15.2% with FB, P= .004). In 184 patients with known BE, FB and WATS found IM with similar frequency (38.5% FB vs 41.9% WATS, P= .6) with no difference in short- or long-segment BE. Overall, FB and WATS detected a similar frequency of IM and dysplasia. WATS was twice as likely as FB to find IM in patients without a history of BE who had CLE on endoscopy. In patients with known BE, WATS and FB showed IM and dysplasia with similar frequency. These findings suggest that WATS can be used instead of FB with similar or improved efficacy at detecting IM and dysplasia. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03859557.).

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with reduced risk of Barrett\u2019s esophagus: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori (Hp) is a class I carcinogen in gastric carcinogenesis, but its role in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the possible relationship.MethodsWe reviewed observational studies published in English until October 2019. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for included studies.Results46 studies from 1505 potential citations were eligible for inclusion. A significant inverse relationship with considerable heterogeneity was found between Hp (OR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51–0.96; P = 0.03) and BE, especially the CagA-positive Hp strain (OR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15–0.54; P = 0.0002). However, Hp infection prevalence was not significantly different between patients with BE and the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) control (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.82–1.19; P = 0.92). Hp was negatively correlated with long-segment BE (OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25–0.90; P = 0.02) and associated with a reduced risk of dysplasia. However, Hp had no correlated with short-segment BE (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.78–1.56; P = 0.57). In the present infected subgroup, Hp infection prevalence in BE was significantly lower than that in controls (OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54–0.89; P = 0.005); however, this disappeared in the infection history subgroup (OR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.43–1.78; P = 0.73).ConclusionsHp, especially the CagA-positive Hp strain, and BE are inversely related with considerable heterogeneity, which is likely mediated by a decrease in GERD prevalence, although this is not observed in the absence of current Hp infection.

Endoscopic diagnosis and screening of Barrett's esophagus: Inconsistency of diagnostic criteria between Japan and Western countries

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is an endoscopically identifiable premalignant condition for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). To diagnose BE precisely, careful inspection of the anatomic landmarks, including the esophagogastric junction and the squamocolumnar junction is important. The distal end of the palisade vessels and the proximal end of the gastric folds are used as the landmark of the esophagogastric junction in endoscopic diagnosis, with the latter solely used internationally, except in some Asian countries, including Japan. In addition, the diagnostic criteria adopted internationally for BE are inconsistent, particularly between Japan and Western countries. Recently updated guidelines in Western countries have included length criteria, with a 1‐cm threshold of columnar epithelium by endoscopic observation and/or histologic confirmation of the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia. Since BE is endoscopically diagnosed at any length without histologic assessment in Japan, the reported prevalence of short‐segment BE is very high in Japan compared with that in Western countries. Although guidelines on screening exist for BE, the current strategies based on the presence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease with multiple risk factors may miss the opportunity for early detection of EAC. Indeed, up to 40% of patients with EAC have no history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. To discuss BE on the same footing worldwide, standardization of diagnostic criteria, screening indication, and establishment of effective techniques for detecting dysplastic lesions are eagerly awaited. Japanese guidelines for BE should be revised regarding the length criteria, including the minimum length and long‐segment BE, in line with the recently updated Western guidelines.

Whole circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection of superficial adenocarcinoma in long-segment Barrett's esophagus: A case report

Whole circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection of superficial adenocarcinoma in long-segment Barrett's esophagus: A case report

Post-endoscopy Esophageal Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus: Consensus Statements From an International Expert Panel

Post-endoscopy Esophageal Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus: Consensus Statements From an International Expert Panel