Familial Gastroesophageal Reflux and Development of Barrett's Esophagus

Abstract
The family of an elderly man with Barrett''s esophagus was examined for gastroesophageal reflux and development of Barrett''s esophagus. All 5 living children have gastroesophageal reflux or esophagitis, or both, and 3 have unequivocal Barrett''s esophagus. Two 3rd-generation descendents have gastroesophageal reflux. This pattern suggests autosomal dominant transmission of the gastroesophageal reflux trait. The family also has a high prevalence of cancer, which may represent the cancer family syndrome.