Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a recognized precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma, making its long-term behavior critical for guiding surveillance strategies. However, how BE evolves over time, including progression or regression, remains incompletely understood. A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology assessed temporal changes in BE status over a prolonged follow-up period using repeated endoscopic evaluations. Among 9,741 subjects followed for a median of 8.8 years, BE status remained stable in the majority, with transitions categorized as progression, regression, or no change based on segment length.
New onset BE ≥1 cm and BE ≥2 cm was identified in 4.87% and 0.82% of subjects, respectively. Progression to longer BE segments occurred consistently across all age groups, from the 30s to ≥70 years. Reflux esophagitis, including Los Angeles grade A and grade B or higher, was…