Comprehensive Clinical Update on Barrett’s Esophagus: Pathophysiology, Risk Stratification, Diagnosis, Management, and Surveillance Based on Current Evidence
1. Definition & Pathogenesis Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition characterized by the metaplastic replacement of the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus with specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM)—a columnar-lined epithelium containing goblet cells. This adaptation arises as a consequence of chronic injury from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), typically involving exposure to acid,…
