Heartburn other imaging findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: José Eduardo Riceto Loyola Junior, M.D.[2] Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [3]

There are no other imaging findings associated with GERD. However, endoscopy may be used in screening for the complications associated with chronic GERD like barrett’s esophagus.

• The endoscope has been before one of the diagnostic tools for GERD.
• Endoscopy is not recommended now for the diagnosis of GERD with the typical symptoms, however, it is used in screening for the GERD complications as esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and barrett’s esophagus.^[1]
• Endoscopy is also beneficial in doing biopsies in the screening of barrett’s esophagus, or while trying to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis.
• Other advantages include also the possibility of H. pylori testing.
• Endoscopy has a very important role in the follow-up of Barrett’s esophagus and must be performed if the patient is at high risk for complications, of which one of the most severe is the esophageal cancer.
  • High Risk patient’s for Barrett’s esophagus: Men >50 years with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (>5 years), AND:^[1]
    • Nocturnal reflux symptoms
    • Hiatal hernia
    • Elevated body mass index
    • Tobacco use
    • Intra-abdominal distribution of fat

Patients presenting with Dysphagia, bleeding, anemia, weight loss and recurrent vomiting must be considered for upper endoscopy investigation. Esophageal cancer, and other severe diseases including esophagitis may be considered, the latter especially in HIV patients.^[2]