Barrett's Esophagus of long segment (7 of 24)

Zoom endoscopy of a tongue of Barretts mucosa showing cerebriform villous architecture. Enhanced magnification endoscopy. The endoscopic classification of Barretts esophagus is based on the similarities between the intestinal metaplasia found in the esophagus of patients with Barretts and the intestinal mucosa seen in the duodenum of patients with celiac sprue using dissecting microscopy. Zoom endoscopy has the potential to enhance diagnostic yield by improving targeting of biopsies. Enhanced magnification endoscopy involves the combined use of magnification endoscopy and acetic acid. Barrett's mucosa is frequently translucent when observed with magnification endoscopy. To improve the visualization of the mucosal surface, a variety of different enhancement techniques, including both stains and acetic acid, have been used in conjunction with magnification. The use of 1.5% to 3% acetic acid in the distal esophagus has been shown to enhance the ability to visualize the small details of the mucosal surface. This method is safe, rapid, clean, and inexpensive.