Abstract

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a premalignant metaplasia of the distal esophagus and, depending on the degree of dysplasia, is associated with a distictly increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). This review summarizes the current epidemiological evidence on the prevalence of BE in the population and highlights the key risk factors. Current studies report a prevalence of BE of 2.2 – 4.9% in the general population without symptoms, and a significantly higher prevalence of BE of 7.0 – 7.7% in people with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 15 – 20% of BE patients have dysplasia (of which 81% have low-grade dysplasia). The proportion of BE cases diagnosed before the age of 50 is ~ 15 – 20%, with an upward trend. In addition to GERD, male gender, older age, visceral obesity, smoking, and a positive family history are established risk factors. As GERD is the only known precursor lesion for the development of EAC, early detection and surveillance of GERD play a key role in the prevention of EAC.

Author Details

Authors

• J. Reizner
• J. Linseisen

Departments

• Institut für Epidemiologie, Medizinische Fakultät der Universität Augsburg, Augsburg

Address

Julia Reizner, MSc
Institut für Epidemiologie
Universitätsklinikum Augsburg
Stenglinstraße 2
86156 Augsburg
Email: [email protected]

Citation