Diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus and Barrett's carcinoma using magnifying endoscopy

Specialized columnar epithelium (SCE) in Barrett's esophagus has been detected by random or four quadrant biopsy using conventional endoscopy; however little is known about the fine mucosal structure of SCE. The fine mucosal pattern (pit pattern) was classified into five categories. Tubular or villous pit patterns were not only characteristics of both SCE and methylene blue absorption but also possessed intestinal mucin phenotype. Targeted biopsy under the magnifying chromo-endoscopy might contribute to the early detection of Barrett's cancer.