Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD; endoscopy of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) – for suspected Barrett’s esophagus as chromoendoscopy by applying acetic acid or methylene blue to the mucosa to detect dysplastic areas; targeted biopsy (tissue sample) from all suspicious lesions/suspicious changes (in case of Barrett’s esophagus additionally 4-quadrant biopsies); an inconspicuous macroscopic finding does not exclude gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)! Furthermore indicated (indicated) in: Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), odynophagia (pain when swallowing), recurrent (“recurring”) vomiting, (involuntary) weight loss, anemia (anemia), evidence of gastrointestinal blood loss (gastrointestinal bleeding) or a mass.
