Barrett's refers to the metaplasia of the lower oesophageal mucosa, with the usual squamous epithelium being replaced by columnar epithelium. There are no screening programs for Barrett's - it's typically identified when patients have an endoscopy for evaluation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia.
Barrett's can be subdivided into short (<3cm) and long (>3cm). The length of the affected segment correlates strongly with the chances of identifying metaplasia
Almost always a hiatus hernia present
The overall prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus is difficult to determine but may be in the region of 1 in 20 and is identified in up to 12% of those undergoing endoscopy for reflux.
Alcohol is NOT an independant risk factor, despite it being associated with GORD and Oesepheal cancer
Barrett's is asymptomatic, but often patients have GORD symptoms
Upper endoscopy is performed which shows salmon-coloured mucosa at the lower third oesophagus
A biopsy is taken for histopathology which shows intestinal-type columnar epithelium.