Gastric and esophageal brush cytology.

A review of gastric brush cytology from 488 patients and esophageal brush cytology from 108 patients over a 7-yr period was undertaken. 80 gastric brushings and 20 esophageal brushings were positive for malignancy. The microscopic appearances of the brush specimens are described and illustrated. Histological correlation was possible in 429 gastric and 85 esophageal brush cases and supported the validity of a positive cytological diagnosis. Brush cytology of the stomach and esophagus is a useful and reliable procedure which can improve the diagnostic yield of endoscopic examinations.