RT Journal
A1 Hanna EA
T1 BArrett's vs congenitally short esophagus
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1969
FD March 3
VO 207
IS 9
SP 1716
OP 1716
DO 10.1001/jama.1969.03150220132026
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1969.03150220132026
AB To the Editor:— 
    In the case of progressive dysphagia (205:926, 1968) due to Barrett's esophagus, the dysphagia was attributed to a stricture in the midportion. Biopsy specimens at and distal to this level revealed gastric epithelium. Repair of an associated hiatal hernia and correction of gastroesophageal reflux resulted in spontaneous improvement of the stricture.A distinction has to be made between Barrett's esophagus (stricture proximal to the esophagogastric junction associated with columnar epithelium) and congenitally short esophagus in which the distal esophagus consists of a gastric tube indistinguishable radiographically from a normal appearing esophagus.1 An hiatal hernia need not be present in the latter condition but reflux and esophageal regurgitation are significant. The distinction between the two conditions is important whenever possible because the treatment of choice for congenitally short esophagus is esophageal substitution by a segment of the gastrointestinal tract.2 Through high-speed cinefluoroscopy, a gastric pattern