[9] Dysphagia Flashcards
How long is the oesophagus?
25cm
How long is the distance from the oesophageal junction to the lips?
40cm
Where does the oesophagus start?
At the level of the cricoid cartilage (C6)
Where does the oesophagus lie in the neck?
In the visceral column
Where does the oesophagus run after the neck?
In the posterior mediastinum
Where does the oesophagus pass through the diaphragm?
At the right crus of the diaphragm, at T10
How long does the oesophagus continue in the abdomen before entering the cardia?
2-3 cm
Where are the locations of narrowing of the oesophagus?
Level of cricoid
Posterior to left main bronchus and aortic arch
Lower oesophageal sphincter
What is the oesophagus divided into?
3rd
What do the divisions of the oesophagus represent?
Change in musculature, from striated, to mixed, to smooth
What is the oesophagus lined by?
Non-keratinising squamous epithelium
What is the Z-line?
Transition from squamous epithelium to gastric columnar
What are the categories of causes of dysphagia?
Inflammatory
Neurological/motility disorders
Mechanical obstruction
What are the inflammatory causes of dysphagia?
Tonsillitis or pharyngitis
Oesophagitis
Oral candidiasis
Apthous ulcers
Give two examples of causes of oesophagitis
GORD
Candida
What are the local neurological/motility causes of dysphagia?
Achalasia
Diffuse oesophageal spasm
Nutcracker oesopahgus
Bulbar/pseudobulbar palsy
What can cause a bulbar/pseudobulbar palsy?
CVA
Motor neurone disease
What are the systemic neurological causes of dysphagia?
Systemic sclerosis
Myasthenia gravis
What are the categories of mechanical oesophagus obstruction?
Luminal
Mural
Extra-mural