How Effective Is ECE Screening for BE?

Data from two prospective studies preclude the use of ECE as a screening tool for BE.

Screening for Barrett esophagus requires an endoscopic evaluation with histologic confirmation of specialized intestinal metaplasia. Esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) is a new technique that might provide noninvasive detection of BE. Small, early studies of ECE had suggested a high detection sensitivity for esophageal pathology, but other data sets, reported in abstract form, have shown substantially lower sensitivity. Now, two research groups have examined the performance of the PillCam ESO in evaluating patients for BE.

The first study was a prospective trial involving 100 patients who had gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms or were under surveillance for BE. All patients underwent ECE, followed by standard upper endoscopy, which was…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors