Pathophysiological characteristics of long- and short-segment Barrett's oesophagus.
BACKGROUND
Depending on the length of the segment of columnar epithelium in the distal oesophagus, Barrett's oesophagus can be divided into long-segment and short-segment Barrett's oesophagus. This article describes the pathophysiological characteristics of both forms of Barrett's oesophagus.


METHODS
Review of the literature.


RESULTS
Although there is some disagreement, ours and most other studies suggest that long-segment columnar-lined oesophagus is causally linked to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux and that this from of Barrett's oesophagus is characterized by lower oesophageal sphincter tone, reduced oesophageal contractility and increased acid reflux. Short-segment Barrett's oesophagus is also associated with acid reflux, but the degree of oesophageal acid exposure and the level of other pathophysiological alterations seem to be lower.


CONCLUSIONS
Pathophysiological abnormalities appear to be more prominent in long-segment Barrett's oesophagus than in short-segment Barrett's oesophagus.
Zentilin
P
P
Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy.
Reglioni
S
S
Savarino
V
V
D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged