The history of Barrett esophagus

The term Barrett esophagus has become well established in the medical literature to indicate columnar metaplasia of the distal esophagus associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, the historical events that led to the use of this term have become obscured. Here, the historical aspects of Barrett esophagus are reviewed, providing insight not only to this condition but also to the evolution of medical thought in general.