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A challenge to our view of reflux oesophagitis pathogenesis

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Since the recognition of reflux oesophagitis as a disease entity, scientists and clinicians have commonly assumed that the first step in its pathogenesis was a loss of superficial epithelial cells, brought about by caustic acid injury. However, new data suggests that it is time to reconsider this concept.

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Figure 1: Macroscopic and microscopic changes during gastroesophageal reflux.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Netherlands

    André J. P. M. Smout & Albert J. Bredenoord

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  1. André J. P. M. Smout
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  2. Albert J. Bredenoord
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Correspondence to André J. P. M. Smout.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Smout, A., Bredenoord, A. A challenge to our view of reflux oesophagitis pathogenesis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 13, 504–505 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2016.106

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