The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Eosinophilic Esophagitis Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS)

Standardised semi-quantitative description of endoscopic findings in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS)
Edema (loss of vascular markings)
Rings (trachealization/corrugation)
Exudates (white plaques/specks)
Furrows (vertical lines)
Stricture
Result0/8

No inflammatory or fibrostenotic features documented on this exam.

Edema
0
Rings
0
Exudates
0
Furrows
0
Stricture
0
Composite total
0

When to use

  • Standardising description of endoscopic findings in eosinophilic esophagitis for diagnosis and for tracking response to treatment over time.

Formula

Sum of 5 endoscopic domains, each graded by severity: Edema 0-1, Rings 0-3, Exudates 0-2, Furrows 0-1, Stricture 0-1 (total range 0-8). The worse of proximal/distal findings is used for each domain.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • The 'rings' and 'stricture' domains capture fibrostenotic disease, which is less responsive to anti-inflammatory therapy alone.
  • The composite total is a convenience sum; the original system emphasizes reporting each domain individually rather than a single validated cutoff.

References

  1. Hirano I, et al. Endoscopic assessment of the oesophageal features of eosinophilic oesophagitis: validation of a novel classification and grading system. Gut. 2013;62(4):489-95.