Columnar Metaplasia of the Esophagus Presenting as Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children with Neurologic Impairment or Congenital Esophageal Atresia

BACKGROUND Columnar metaplasia of the lower esophagus includes both gastric and intestinal metaplasia. Children with severe neurologic impairment and congenital esophageal atresia often have gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a form of lower esophageal columnar metaplasia and precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma, with some, but not all, guidelines specifically requiring the presence of intestinal metaplasia for diagnosis. This case series illustrates how iron deficiency anemia may be the primary symptom of esophageal columnar metaplasia in such children and how upper endoscopy is essential in their initial and ongoing evaluation. CASE REPORT We review 5 cases of columnar metaplasia of the lower esophagus in children, 3 with severe neurologic impairment and 2 with esophageal atresia. Each child presented with marked iron deficiency anemia and minimal-to-no gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that columnar metaplasia of the esophagus may present with iron deficiency anemia in children with neurologic impairment or congenital esophageal atresia, even if without overt gastrointestinal symptoms. Accordingly, we propose that early endoscopic evaluation should be considered in this specific patient population. Based on our literature review, we also emphasize the need for guidelines on the endoscopic surveillance of such children with any type of columnar metaplasia of the lower esophagus, given the associated risk of malignant transformation.