The pathology of chronic oesophagitis

Gastroesophageal reflux strictures in children, management and outcome

“…These benign fibrous strictures of variable severity are characterised by two histological features, chronic superficial oesophagitis and fibrous replacement of damaged tissue commencing in the sub-mucosa, spreading outwards, disorganising and replacing the oesophageal architecture [1]. Reflux strictures are usually diagnosed late and management requires dedicated and long-term treatment.…”

Pressure rupture and spontaneous perforation of the oesophagus

“…Violent pressure build-up is not essential though no doubt in some cases it has been the final perforating factor. Sandry (1962), in a histological study of surgically excised specimens of oesophagitis, has shown that acute and subacute penetrating ulcers of the lower oesophagus are not uncommon alone or in association with superficial oesophagitis. He has also shown that these ulcers are situated in islands or encroachments of mucosa of gastric cardiac type and therefore are closely akin to the ulcers described by Barrett (1950).…”