The Los Angeles classification system evaluates the severity of esophagitis based on endoscopic findings. This approach categorizes esophageal damage into four grades, from A to D, providing a structured assessment of reflux esophagitis.

Upon reviewing the endoscopic data, findings are classified as follows:

- Grade A: Identified by one or more mucosal breaks that are 5 mm or less in length and do not extend between the tops of two mucosal folds. This is considered mild reflux esophagitis.
- Grade B: Characterized by one or more mucosal breaks greater than 5 mm that also do not extend between the tops of two mucosal folds. This still falls under mild reflux esophagitis but indicates a slightly increased level of damage compared to Grade A.
- Grade C: Defined by one or more mucosal breaks that are continuous between the tops of at least two mucosal folds but affect less than 75% of the esophageal circumference. This indicates a move into severe reflux esophagitis.
- Grade D: The most severe category, where there are one or more mucosal breaks involving 75% or more of the esophageal circumference.

This classification provides valuable insight into the severity of esophageal damage, aiding clinicians in diagnosing and treating reflux esophagitis appropriately.

The Los Angeles (LA) Classification of Esophagitis is a grading system used to categorize the severity of esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus. This classification system is applicable to patients who have undergone endoscopy for suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other esophageal conditions. 

The LA Classification of Esophagitis is clinically useful in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression or response to therapy. It grades esophagitis from Grade A (one or more mucosal breaks <5mm in length) to Grade D (one or more mucosal breaks involving >75% of the esophageal circumference), based on the extent of mucosal breaks observed during endoscopy.

There are no specific exclusion criteria for the use of the LA Classification of Esophagitis. However, it is not applicable in patients who have not undergone endoscopy or in those with conditions that may mimic esophagitis, such as eosinophilic esophagitis or infectious esophagitis, without a confirmatory diagnosis.

Los Angeles classification of esophagitis