Background and Aim: The familial aggregation of Barrett's esophagus, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, jointly termed familial Barrett's esophagus, may represent a complex genetic trait. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with these diseases who have familial Barrett's esophagus. Methods: Information on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, known risk factors for Barrett's esophagus, and family history of Barrett's esophagus and cancers, was collected at six hospitals using a structured questionnaire from probands with either long-segment Barrett's esophagus, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, or adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. Family history of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer in a first-or second-degree relative was determined by reviewing medical records of all relatives reported to be affected. Results: Seventy one of 411 (17.3%) probands reported an affected first-and/or second-degree relative. Upon review of
Routine questioning of patients about a family history of pancreatic cancer, the age of onset of this cancer in their relatives, and the patient's smoking status may identify individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer. Future research exploring the genetic and environmental interactions associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer is critically important.
Endoscopy identified EAC, long-segment BE, and short-segment BE in a substantial proportion of first-degree relatives of affected members of FBE families. A familial susceptibility to develop Barrett's epithelium appears to be present in a subset of patients with BE and EAC.
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