Squamous mucosa overlying columnar epithelium in Barrett's esophagus in the absence of anti-reflux surgery.

Seven of 45 patients with Barrett's esophagus prospectively followed with yearly endoscopy had histological evidence of squamous mucosa overlying Barrett's epithelium. This histological finding has previously been identified as a rare sequela of anti-reflux surgery. All seven patients had specialized columnar epithelium. No evidence of the overlying mucosa was recognized at endoscopy. Only one patient had previous anti-reflux surgery. During the observation interval, three patients had a decrease, and four had no change in the length of Barrett's epithelium. Squamous mucosa overlying columnar epithelium in Barrett's esophagus is not infrequent, and prior anti-reflux surgery is not a necessary precondition.