Real-Time Evaluation of Barrett's Esophagus by Confocal Laser Probe-based Microscopy

Subject Population

Approximately 100 subjects will be recruited, age greater than 18 years. Subjects will be recruited from OCF, OMC Kenner who are undergoing EGD for either 1) screening for Barrett's Esophagus because of long-standing GERD of greater than 5 years; 2) surveillance of known Barrett's Esophagus; or 3) therapy for known Barrett's Esophagus. They will be asked to volunteer for participation at the time of their EGD. These subjects are being recruited because of a high suspicion or known diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus in this cohort.

Procedures

Patients agreeing to participate in the research study will receive an additional intravenous injection during endoscopy. This dose of 2.5 mg of IV fluorescein will be administered during their EGD. Probe-based microscopy will be used to evaluate the mucosa of the esophagus and GE junction. Photographs will be taken and digitally stored. Biopsies (which are part of the routine diagnosis and surveillance of Barrett's) will be targeted based on the microscopic images. The histologic findings on the biopsy specimens will be compared to the microscopic images to determine the accuracy of the probe-based microscopy in predicting pathology.

The time commitment for the patient is included in the time to undergo endoscopy and is roughly 30 minutes to an hour, including recovery time. The research will occur at OMC, Jefferson Highway and Ochsner Medical Center, Kenner.