Relevance of histology in the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis

Reflux esophagitis is an important clinical diagnosis; however, the histologic findings can be nonspecific and overlap with other entities. Various benign changes can produce diagnostic difficulties for pathologists. In this review, the typical histologic findings of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) of the esophagus are discussed, along with the issues relating to clinical correlation and technical aspects of endoscopic biopsies and specimen processing. The literature has been reviewed to discuss histologic definitions of GERD as well as current and developing controversies in the area of GERD. Histologic features are not entirely sensitive or specific for GERD. Awareness of these problems is essential; clinical and endoscopic information can be very useful in distinguishing GERD from other inflammatory lesions.