An irregular Z-line was defined as any discrete tongue or exaggerated waviness of the Z-line which extended proximally less than 1 cm. Two to 4 biopsies were obtained with standard forceps; biopsies were taken in 4 quadrants every 2 cms for segments >3 cms.
Is an irregular Z line bad?
Gastroenterology; 2017 Apr; Thota, et al Patients with a segment of columnar metaplasia in the distal esophagus that's less than 1 cm in length—an irregular Z line—don't appear to be at risk for high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma, according to a prospective multicenter study of 1,791 patients.Apr 13, 2017
Should I be worried about irregular Z line?
Conclusions: The yield of biopsy at an “irregular z-line” is low. In addition, the risk of cancer in patients with this endoscopic finding and specialized intestinal metaplasia (even with dysplasia) is unknown. We would, therefore, suggest that this terminology be abandoned.
Are irregular Z lines cancerous?
Conclusions: The yield of biopsy at an “irregular z-line” is low. In addition, the risk of cancer in patients with this endoscopic finding and specialized intestinal metaplasia (even with dysplasia) is unknown.
Is irregular Z line normal?
The Z line is a normal finding but is not seen in every study. An irregular or elevated Z line indicates potential distal esophageal metaplasia / Barrett esophagus, although the actual risk of this finding is debated.May 26, 2020
What is a slightly irregular Z line?
An irregular Z line is characterized by < 1 cm columnar tongues that extend proximal to the gastroesophageal junction, a finding that has been reported in approximately 10–15% of the population undergoing upper endoscopy [1, 2].Feb 28, 2018
What is a normal Z line in the esophagus?
A demarcation line, the squamocolumnar (SC) junction or “Z-line”, represents the normal esophagogastric junction where the squamous mucosa of the esophagus and columnar mucosa of the stomach meet (Figure 2).