Published online Apr 25, 2016. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v8.i8.357
Peer-review started: July 8, 2015
First decision: September 8, 2015
Revised: September 30, 2015
Accepted: December 1, 2015
Article in press: December 2, 2015
Published online: April 25, 2016
Processing time: 283 Days and 1.8 Hours
AIM: To ascertain whether the Prague circumferential (C) length and maximal (M) length criteria for grading the extent of Barrett’s esophagus can be applied prior to its widespread application in South Korea.
METHODS: Two hundred and thirteen consecutive cases with endoscopic columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) were included and classified according to the Prague C and M criteria.
RESULTS: Of 213 cases with CLE, the distribution of maximum CLE lengths was: 0.5-0.9 cm in 99 cases (46.5%); 1.0-1.4 cm in 63 cases (29.6%); 1.5-1.9 cm in 15 cases (7.0%); 2.0-2.4 cm in 14 cases (6.6%); 2.5-2.9 cm in 1 case (0.5%); and 7.0 cm in 1 case (0.5%). Twenty cases (9.4%) had columnar islands alone. Two hundred and eight cases (97.7%) lacked the circumferential CLE component (C0Mx). Columnar islands were found in 70 cases (32.9%), of which 20 cases (9.4%) had columnar islands alone.
CONCLUSION: In regions where most CLE patients display short or ultrashort tongue-like appearance, more detailed descriptions of CLE’s in < 1.0 cm lengths and columnar islands, as well as avoidance of repeating the prefix “C0” need to be considered in parallel with the widespread application of the Prague system in South Korea.
Core tip: This was a prospective study to assess the feasibility of the Prague circumferential length and maximal length criteria for the endoscopic description of columnar-lined esophagus in South Korea. In regions like South Korea where the prevalence and endoscopic features of this condition are quite different from the West, we suggest possible modifications that may fit the characteristics of the South Korean source population more properly.