Gene Methylation in the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus: Identification of Candidate Diagnostic Markers

Inclusion Criteria:

Controls: No endoscopic evidence of Barrett's Esophagus, able to give informed consent, 18
years of age or older.

Cases: At least 1 cm of visible columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia on histology
confirmed by an expert GI pathologist (on biopsy), able to give informed consent, 18 years
of age or older.

Exclusion criteria:

Controls: Patients with history of esophagectomy or mucosal ablation, gastrectomy, or known
non-Barrett's esophageal pathology (e.g. eosinophilic esophagitis or achalasia), varices,
esophagitis LA Grade B, C, D will be excluded. Patients with prior history of colon polyps
or colon/esophageal/gastric/pancreatic carcinoma (unless had negative colonoscopy within 2
years to clear polyps).

Cases: Patients with history of esophagectomy or mucosal ablation, gastrectomy, or known
non-Barrett's esophageal pathology (e.g. eosinophilic esophagitis or achalasia), will be
excluded. Patients with prior history of colon polyps or colon/gastric/pancreatic carcinoma
(unless had negative colonoscopy within 2 years to clear polyps).