title: Screening for Barrett's esophagus by balloon cytology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to determine whether balloon cytology would allow a nonendoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 10 unselected patients with Barrett's esophagus, balloon cytology was performed with a Brandt esophageal cytology balloon catheter prior to endoscopy/esophageal biopsy. Specimens were cytologically evaluated for the presence of goblet cells and/or dysplasia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No patient had goblet cells or definitive columnar cell dysplasia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique with a commercially available balloon catheter does not allow for a nonendoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Oregon Health Sciences University, USA.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Fennerty
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DiTomasso
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Morales
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karmakar
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sampliner
mesh_terms: D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001706:Biopsy; D002404:Catheterization; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013048:Specimen Handling