Clinical Approach to the GI Patient: Dysphagia Flashcards
what are the two types of dysphagia?
oral phase and esophageal phase
what could it mean if a patient presents with Hoarseness and dysphagia?
involvement of the larynx in the primary disease process, neoplastic disruption of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, or laryngitis from GERD
what exams should you do for dysphagia?
neck exam and skin exam (to see if there are any changes with association with scleroderma)
how can you diagnose oropharyngeal dysphagia?
video fluoroscopy of swallowing
how can you diagnose esophageal dysphagia?
barium swallow, EGD with biopsy, esophageal motility study (manometry)
what are the characteristics of oropharyngeal dysphagia?
difficulty initiating swallowing; food sticks at level of suprasternal notch; may have nasopharyngeal regurgitation or aspiration
what type of abnormality is Zenker’s diverticulum?
structural abnormality
what occurs in Zenker’s diverticula?
there is a false diverticula involving herniation of the mucosa and submucosa through the muscular layer of the esophagus posteriorly
in zenker’s diverticula, where does the herniation take place?
posteriorly in an area of natural weakness proximal to the cricopharyngeus known as Killian’s triangle
what is the result of Zenker’s diverticula?
there is loss of elasticity of the upper esophageal sphincter
how does zenker’s diverticula oropharyngeal dysphagia present?
progressive, intermittent then constant, solids and liquids
what are the symptoms associated with zenker’s diverticula?
gradual/insidious; vague symptoms at first–> coughing or throat discomfort; as diverticulum enlarges it will retain food leading to halitosis, spontaneous regurgitation, nocturnal choking, gurgling in the throat, protrusion in the neck, voice changes; palpable mass on the side of the patient’s neck?
how do you diagnose zenker’s diverticula?
video esophagography; barium swallow; DO BARIUM SWALLOW BEFORE EGD due to risk of perforation; EGD
what are the complications associated with zenker’s diverticula?
perforation (if EGD is done before barium swallow); weight loss; aspiration–> PNA/ lung abscess
what is an esophageal web?
a structural problem; thin, diaphragm-like membranes of squamous mucosa; congenital or acquired
where do esophageal webs occur?
proximal or mid esophagus (not the entire lumen)
when might you acquire esophageal webs?
eosinophilic esophagitis or plummer vison syndrome
what are the symptoms associated with esophageal webs?
it can cause oropharyngeal or esophageal dysphagia (if proximal–> oropharyngeal)
what are the characteristics of the presentation of esophageal webs?
dysphagia to solids, intermittent symptoms, not progressive
how do you diagnose esophageal web?
barium swallow (esophagram)–> best view; EGD can be done but it is less sensitive
what is the treatment/management for esophageal webs?
dilation (bougie dilator or pneumatic dilation); small endoscopic electrosurgical incision; persistent heartburn or need repeat dilation–> PPI long term
what population is at risk for plummer-vinson syndrome?
middle-aged, female>male
what is plummer-vinson syndrome?
combination of: symptomatic proximal esophageal webs, Koilonychia (spoon nails); angular chelitis; glossitis; iron-deficiency anemia
what is sjogren syndrome?
autoimmune/rheumatologic cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia; motility/propulsion problem; exocrine gland problem