A 47-year-old woman with a longstanding history of heartburn complains of severe heartburn. You make the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An upper endoscopy study is positive for Barrett's esophagus. Which of the following correctly describes Barrett's esophagus?
A) Replacement of the squamous epithelium of the esophagus with columnar epithelium
B) Replacement of the columnar epithelium of the esophagus with squamous epithelium
C) The presence of moderate-to-high grade dysplasia in the esophagus
D) The presence of low-to-moderate grade dysplasia in the esophagus
E) The presence of any stricture within the esophagus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Barrett's esophagus is characterized by the replacement of the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus with metaplastic columnar epithelium, which occurs as a response to chronic injury from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A 47-Year-Old Woman with a Longstanding History of Heartburn Complains