What would be a notable histological finding in the lower esophagus of a patient with reflux esophagitis?

In the context of reflux esophagitis, a notable histological finding in the lower esophagus is the presence of eosinophilic infiltrate. This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to inflammation and damage of the esophageal lining.

The inflammation associated with reflux esophagitis often manifests as infiltration of eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell that typically respond to allergens and are involved in inflammatory processes. The presence of these eosinophils indicates an ongoing inflammatory reaction due to the irritation caused by acid exposure.

This finding is particularly relevant as it helps differentiate reflux esophagitis from other conditions that may affect the esophagus, such as eosinophilic esophagitis, where a strong eosinophilic infiltrate is also seen but may occur due to different underlying mechanisms, such as food allergens rather than acid exposure.

Increased goblet cells, malignant transformation, and vascular proliferation are not characteristic findings in reflux esophagitis. While goblet cells may be observed in intestinal metaplasia (such as in Barrett's esophagus), which is a consequence of chronic acid exposure, they are not a direct histological finding in reflux esoph