# Analysis of Risk Factors and Circumferential Distribution of Exposed Cardiac Glands

## TL;DR

This study identifies risk factors and typical locations of exposed cardiac glands in the esophagus, linking them to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

## Contribution

The study establishes specific risk factors and circumferential distribution patterns of exposed cardiac glands, linking them to reflux disease.

## Key findings

- Exposed cardiac glands are commonly found on the lesser curved side and posterior wall of the distal esophagus.
- Risk factors include waist circumference, drinking, irritating food, right side sleeping, calcium antagonists, and Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Exposed cardiac glands are associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and may progress due to reflux.

## Abstract

To investigate the risk factors associated with exposed cardiac glands and their circumferential distribution in the esophagus and to establish a theoretical foundation for the occurrence and progression of these glands.

Prospectively enrolled patients who underwent gastroscopy in our hospital from December 2023 to March 2024. Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were found to have exposed cardiac glands during gastroscopy were included in the exposed cardiac glands group, while those who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria without exposed cardiac glands during endoscopy were included in the control group. The risk factors for exposed cardiac glands were obtained through statistical analysis by comparing various factors between the two groups. The circumferential distribution of exposed cardiac glands in the esophagus was studied by means of a radar map.

Waist circumference, drinking, irritating food, right side sleeping position, calcium antagonists,
Helicobacter pylori
infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were the risk factors for exposed cardiac glands. The exposed cardiac glands usually occur on the lesser curved side and posterior wall of the distal esophagus.

There is a correlation between exposed cardiac glands and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the prone site of exposed cardiac glands is roughly consistent with the prone site of reflux. Affected by reflux, exposed cardiac glands may coalesce and progress. Waist circumference, drinking, irritating food, right side sleeping position, calcium antagonists, and
Helicobacter pylori
infection were independent risk factors for exposed cardiac glands.