Clin Med - Esophagus Flashcards
Esophagitis occurs principally in…
Immunocompromised.
Common agents - esophagitis
- Candida albicans (post antibiotic use)
- Herpes simplex
- Cytomegalovirus
Esophagitis clinical manifestations
- Odynophagia may be severe
- Dysphagia, weight loss, upper GI bleeding
- Esophageal candidiasis associated with oral candidiasis
- Herpes esophagitis associated with oral herpetic lesions
MC esophagitis
Radiation-induced
Requires symptomatic treatment
Esophageal motility
Tubular - made of smooth and striated muscle structure.
- Outer muscle layer in longitudinal
- Inner layer is circular
Together, if driven with coordination, normal peristalsis occurs.
*Under vagal control
Esophageal Motor Disorders (3)
- Achalasia
- Diffuse esophageal spasm
- Nutcracker esophagus
Esophageal Motor Disorders Generally
Oropharyngeal vs. Esophageal
Which is the MC esophageal motor disorders?
Achalasia
Achalasia Etiology
Leads to increase in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, incomplete relaxation of the LES with swallowing, and dilated aperistalsis of the body of the esophagus
Achalasia Clinical Manifestations
Dysphagia of liquids and solids is the primary problem.
Regurgitation is common.
Achalasia Diagnosis
Barium swallow shows a dilated esophagus, air fluid level, delayed esophageal emptying, and a smooth tapered “birds-beak” deformity at the LES.
Achalasia treatment
Muscle relaxation
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm
- Common disorder
- Patient presents with chest pain, dysphagia, or both.
- Associated with degeneration of Auerbach plexus
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm Dx
- Barium swallow shows prominent, spontaneous, non-propulsive, tertiary contractions
- Gives a “corkscrew” esophagus appearance on barium swallow
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm Tx
Supportive and empirical - muscle relaxants, antidepressants, relaxation exercises.
Nutcracker Esophagus
-Functional peristaltic motility disorder (no regurgitation)
Nutcracker Esophagus Sx
- Chest pain with no dysphagia
- Association with anxiety and manic state (adrenaline??)
Nutcracker Esophagus Tx
Muscle relaxants, nitrates, reassurance, bio feedback
Mallory-Weiss Tear characteristics
- one of the major causes of upper GI bleeding
- occur in the distal esophagus at gastroesophageal (GE) junction
When does Mallory-Weiss Tear occur?
- Typically occurs after a bout of vomiting or retching.
- Bleeding occurs when tear involves the underlying venous or arterial plexus.
- Increased risk in patients with portal hypertension.
Mallory-Weiss Tear Dx
Endoscopy is the procedure of choice.
Mallory-Weiss Tear Tx
- Most tears stop bleeding spontaneously
- Injection and thermal coagulation may be needed
Mallory-Weiss Tear Complications
Re-bleeding and extension to full thickness tear = Boerhaave Tear (Esophageal rupture!)
GERD is due to…
Weak lower esophageal sphincter tone
LES Mechanisms in severe esophagitis
Transient LES relaxation is more common than weak LES
D/t medicines and food
What are the 2 esophageal neoplasms?
Adenocarcinoma & squamous cell
What part of the esophagus does adenocarcinoma involve?
Distal esophagus
Risk factors for adenocarcinoma
- ETOH
- Barrett’s Esophagus and GERD
- H/o colon cancer
- Obesity
- Smoking