Gender differences in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic condition in the United States, affecting as many as 40% of adults. Although questionnaire-based studies have found the prevalence of the disease to be equal in men and women, the relative prevalence of GERD in males and females has yet to be established by quantitative, clinical evaluation. Moreover, preliminary research suggests that there are gender differences in the pathology and symptomatology of GERD, and the increased prevalence of GERD in pregnancy may indicate that sex hormones play a role in the disease.

Adenosquamous carcinoma in Barrett's esophagus presenting as pseudoachalasia.

A case of pseudoachalasia resulting from adenosquamous carcinoma arising from the mucous epithelium of a Barrett's esophagus is presented. This case represents an unusual combination of Barrett's esophagus giving rise to an esophageal carcinoma with squamous as well as glandular features, rather than the usual adenocarcinoma and pseudoachalasia.

Influence of age and gender on gastroesophageal reflux in symptomatic patients.

Studies have reported that normal males have significantly more physiologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) than women but little difference in reflux parameters is seen between younger and older normal individuals. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of age and gender on GER in symptomatic patients. We reviewed 353 24-h pH studies performed in patients with reflux symptoms.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with columnar-lined esophagus.

Columnar-lined esophagus or Barrett's esophagus is closely associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Animal and human studies have shown not only acid but duodenogastroesophageal reflux acting in synergy with acid causes the most esophageal injury. Patients with Barrett's esophagus manifest typical and atypical symptoms of reflux.