Screening for Barrett's esophagus by balloon cytology.
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.
Fennerty
M B
MB
Division of Gastroenterology, Oregon Health Sciences University, USA.
DiTomasso
J
J
Morales
T G
TG
Peterson
D
D
Karmakar
A
A
Fernandez
T
T
Sampliner
R
R
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