Evaluation of gastro-oesophageal flap valve is useful for diagnosing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Summary Background Gastro-oesophageal flap valve (GEFV) grade correlated with endoscopic reflux oesophagitis (RE) prevalence. Aim To investigate relationships among gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, RE and/or non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and GEFV grades in subjects undergoing endoscopy. Methods We enrolled 1305 subjects from whom endoscopic results and the results of a self-administered questionnaire (QUEST) were available. Subjects were evaluated for GERD symptoms (QUEST score), GEFV grade, RE and gastric mucosal atrophy. Results Total GERD prevalence, including symptomatic GERD (QUEST score ≥ 4) and/or RE, was 27%. RE grade and prevalence increased with GEFV grade. QUEST scores and GEFV grades showed a positive correlation. NERD prevalence was 14% and increased with GEFV grade, but the relationship was weaker than that between RE and GEFV. Comparing RE-negative subjects by GEFV grade, GERD symptoms were noted in 10%, 19%, 36% and 52% with GEFV grades I, II, III and IV, respectively. Neither type of gastric mucosal atrophy correlated with GEFV grade. Conclusions Total GERD, NERD and RE prevalences increased with GEFV grade. Subjects with high GEFV grades often complain of GERD symptoms, even without RE. Our findings suggest that endoscopic GEFV evaluation provides a useful clinical index for diagnosing GERD.