What is reflux oesophagitis?
Inflammation of the oesophagus due to refluxed low pH gastric content
What are some of the causes of reflux oesophagitis?
Defective sphincter mechanism +/- hiatus hernia
Abnormal oesophageal motility
Increased intra-abdominal pressure e.g. pregnancy
What are microscopic indications of reflux oesophagitis?
Basal zone epithelial expansion (hyperplasia
Intraepithelial neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils
What are complications of reflux?
Ulceration/bleeding
Stricture
Barrett’s oesophagus
What is oesophageal stricture?
Abnormal tightening of the oesophagus