Dilated Intercellular Spaces of Esophageal Epithelium in Nonerosive Reflux Disease Patients with Physiological Esophageal Acid Exposure

Abstract

Dilation of intercellular spaces is a feature of NERD patients, irrespective of esophageal acid exposure, and can be considered an objective, structural marker of GERD symptoms. Impaired esophageal mucosal resistance, even to small amounts of acid refluxate, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of NERD.