Conditions of the GI tract Flashcards
State 3 causes of mouth ulcers.
- Idiopathic
- Anaemia
- IBD
- Coeliac
- Behcet’s Disease
- Reiter’s Disease
- SLE
- Pemphigus
- Pemphigoid
- Drug Reactions
- SCC
- HSV 1
- Coxsackie A
- HZV
Give 3 causes of oral white patches
• Candida • SLE • Trauma: Mechanical/Irritative • Immunocompromised • Leucoplakia (pre-malignant) --> Smoking + Alcohol
State 3 causes of glossitis.
- B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Iron deficiency
- Riboflavin and nicotinic acid deficiency
- Infections – e.g. Candida
State 2 causes of black hairy tongue (filiform papillae).
- Unknown
- Heavy smoking
- Antiseptic mouthwashes
What region of the tongue is affected in filiform papillae?
Anterior 2/3
What is geographic tongue?
Idiopathic condition presenting with erythematous areas surrounded by well-defined, irregular margins which are usually painless
Describe GORD.
Reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus ± oral cavity and lungs characterised by heartburn, dyspepsia, acid regurgitation, oesophagitis and extra-oesophageal symptoms of cough, laryngitis, dental erosion and asthma.
Which two subtypes of GORD exist?
- Erosive Reflux Disease (ERD): Erosions present on endoscopy
- Non-Erosive Reflux Disease (NERD): No erosions present on endoscopy
State 3 RFs for GORD.
- FHx GORD/heartburn
- Older age
- Hiatus hernia
- Obesity
Outline the aetiology of GORD.
• Cardiac sphincter (lower esophageal) relaxation -> reflux
Which symptoms may a patient present with should they have GORD?
- Heartburn (or dyspepsia)
- Acid regurgitation
- Water-brash
- Halitosis
- Odynophagia
- Cough
- Dental erosion
- Globus pharyngeus (FOSIT)
What investigations may used to confirm GORD?
Clinical diagnosis PPI Trial (8/52)
Consider…
H. pylori test (Urea breath test)
Why may H. pylori cause GORD?
Hypersecretion of Gastrin and subsequently HCl which refluxes into the oesophagus via the LOS (T11)
A patient is diagnosed with GORD. How will you manage this?
Supportive: Diet/ RF modification/ Smoking cessation/ NSAID cessation; eat 3 hours before bed; positioning of head
+
PPI: Omeprazole (20mg PO OD)/ Lansoprazole (15-30mg PO OD)/ Esomeprazole (20-40mg PO OD)
±
Antacids: MgOH/ Alginates
Consider H Pylori eradication (PMTB)
A patient is diagnosed with GORD following a positive Urea breath test. They have NKDA. How will you manage them?
Supportive: RF modification/ Position/ Timing/ Meals \+ PPI: Omeprazole/ Lansoprazole \+ ß-lactam: Amoxicillin \+ Macrolide: Clarithromycin
Mnemonic: Ah Please Make Me Better
A patient is diagnosed with GORD following a positive Urea breath test. They have a penicillin allergy. How will you manage them?
Supportive: RF modification/ Position/ Timing/ Meals \+ PPI: Omeprazole/ Lansoprazole \+ Nitroimidazole: Metronidazole \+ Macrolide: Clarithromycin
Mnemonic: Ah Please Make Me Better
What is Barrett’s Oesophagus?
Change in squamous epithelium of oesophagus to specialised intestinal metaplasia associated with GORD (asymptomatic or symptomatic) characterised by regurgitation, dysphagia and regurgitation which is proven by biopsy and histological findings.
What type of cell change occurs in Barrett’s Oesophagus?
Metaplasia with cells going from stratified squamous epithelium (SSE) to simple columnar epithelium (SCE)
Where is the natural transition of epithelium between the oesophagus and the stomach?
Squamo-columnar junction demarcated by the transition from oesophagus to stomach at T11.
State 3 RFs for Barrett’s Oesophagus
- GORD
- Increased age
- Caucasian
- Male
- Smoking
State the key symptoms for a patient with Barrett’s Oesophagus.
- Dyspepsia
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Laryngitis
- Cough
- Dyspnoea or wheezing
- PMHx Aspiration Pneumonia
What investigations would you wish to consider in a patient with suspected Barrett’s Oesophagus?
- Upper GI Endoscopy + Biopsy: Abnormal epithelium (violaceous near to GO junction); Z-line migration cephalad (boundary at oesophageal and gastric epithelium junction); Ulceration; Strictures; Nodularity
- Biopsy: histologically ∆ from SSE to SCE
What would you see on an upper GI endoscope in a patient with Barrett’s Oesophagus?
Abnormal epithelium (violaceous); Z-line migration cephalad (superior); Ulceration
You identify on a scope that there is only metaplasia present. What is your management?
• Surveillance: \+ • PPI: Esomeprazole/Omeprazole/Pantoprazole ± • Radiofrequency ablation
You identify on a scope that there is dysplasia present. What is your management?
• Radiofrequency ablation ± Endoscopic mucosal resection
2nd Line
• Oesophagectomy
What is achalasia?
Oesophageal motor disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by oesophageal aperistalsis and insufficient lower oesophageal (cardiac) sphincter relaxation following swallowing
Which eponymous syndrome gives increased risk of Achalasia?
Triple A = Allgrove Syndrome (Achalasia, Addison’s and Alacrima)
What is the aetiology of Achalasia?
Unknown but reduced cardiac sphincter relaxation
Give the key symptoms of Achalasia.
- Dysphagia
- Retrosternal pressure/pain
- Regurgitation
- Gradual weight loss
- Recurrent chest infections (2º to regurgitation)
- Globus pharyngeus
- Coughing/Choking whilst recumbent
What investigations would you order for a patient with suspected Achalasia?
- Upper GI Endoscope: Retained frothy saliva, oesophageal dilation, sigmoid oesophagus (tortuous)
- Barium swallow: Loss of peristalsis; delayed oesophageal emptying; dilated oesophagus tapering to narrowing (beak-like narrowing)
- Oesophageal manometry: Incomplete relaxation of lower oesophageal sphincter; oesophageal aperistalsis
A patient is diagnosed with Achalasia. They ask you what treatment they can have. What do you want to know?
What will you tell them?
Are they a surgical candidate?
• Pneumatic dilatation (balloon to mechanically stretch lower oesophageal sphincter)
OR
• Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy (Heller Procedure = opens tight cardiac sphincter)
Which eponymous procedure may be used to treat Achalasia in a surgical candidate?
Heller procedure (laparoscopic cardiomyotomy)
A patient is diagnosed with Achalasia. They ask you what treatment they can have. They are a frail patient who is not a surgical candidate.
What will you tell them?
• CCBs: Nifedipine/Verapamil
2nd Line
• Botulinum toxin type A (Paralysis of cardiac sphincter)
Which condition may result in smooth muscle replacement of the oesophagus for fibrous tissue resulting in reduced LOS pressure.?
Scleroderma
What is scleroderma?
Condition in which smooth muscle layer is replaced by fibrous tissue and LOS pressure is reduced which results in secondary GORD
What condition generally occurs secondary to Scleroderma affecting the Oesophagus?
GORD
Which antibodies are generally detected in a patient with Scleroderma?
Anti-centromere (limited) and Anti-Scl70 Ab (diffuse)
Which set of symptoms are associated with Scleroderma?
CREST
Calcinosis Cutis Raynaud's Oesophageal dysmotility (GORD) Sclerodactyly Telangiectasia
Which symptoms are common in a patient with Scleroderma?
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- SOB on exertion
- Skin thickening
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
- Digital pits/ulcers
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Sclerodactyly (finger curling, shiny skin, telangiectasias)
- Arthralgias/myalgias
- Dyspepsia
- Heartburn
- Retrosternal discomfort
- Associated with meals
- Water-brash
- Regurgitation
You suspect a patient has scleroderma due to skin thickening, a dry cough, finger curling and joint pain as well as a family history of autoimmune diseases, exposure to silica dust.
Which investigations will you order?
- FBC: Normal or anaemia if chronic GI bleed
- U+E: Normal or elevated in scleroderma renal crisis
- PFTs: Interstitial lung disease may be present (reduced FVC, restrictive pattern)
- ECG: Normal, may show arrhythmias
- Echocardiogram: Pulmonary hypertension
- Barium swallow: Aperistalsis, gastroparesis, hypotonia in lower oesophagus
How will you treat a patient with newly diagnosed Scleroderma. Their symptoms include itching, myopathy, dysmotility and GORD and synovitis. Additionally, they mention poor circulation in the cold.
Corticosteroid: Prednisolone
Antihistamine: Ceterizine
PPI: Omeprazole
Prokinetic agent: Erythromycin
CCB: Amlodipine
Which drug can be used to treat digital ulceration in Raynaud’s secondary to Scleroderma?
PDE-5 inhibitor: Sildenafil/Tadalafil
What is a hiatus hernia?
Protrusion of IA contents via oesophageal hiatus (T10) of diaphragm, characterised by heartburn, regurgitation and bowel sound in the chest.
How can you classify the Hiatus hernia.
- 1: Protrusion of GO junction + body of stomach into oesophageal hiatus
- 2: Herniation of fundus or body into chest with maintenance of GO below diaphragm
- 3: Fundus ±Body + GO above diaphragm
State 3 RFs for a Hiatus Hernia.
- Obesity
- Previous surgery
- Hernia
- Advanced age
Which investigations would you order in a patient with heartburn, chest pain, SOB, cough and non-bilious vomiting? You suspect a hiatus hernia. What might your findings be for these investigations.
- CXR: Retrocardiac air bubble
* Upper GI series (XR-A): Stomach
In non-bilious vomiting, where is the obstruction in the GI system? Explain.
The obstruction will be proximal to the descending duodenum as the bile enters via the hepatopancreatic ampulla of Vater at the major duodenal papilla.
How do you manage a patient with a hiatus hernia?
Surgical repair ± anti-reflux procedure: Laparoscopic transabdominal surgery OR Open transabdominal surgery
What is an iatrogenic oesophageal perforation?
Medically-induced damage following endoscopic dilatation of oesophageal strictures or achalasia
How do you manage someone with an iatrogenic oesophageal perforation?
Endoscopic oesophageal stening
What is Boerhaave’s Syndrome?
Transmural tears of distal oesophagus induced by sudden intra-oesophageal pressure rise characterised by retching, vomiting and severe epigastric/retrosternal pain
State 3 RFs for Boerhaave’s Syndrome.
- Alcohol intake
- Obesity
- Oesophagitis
- Barrett’s Oesophagus
What is the aetiology of Boerhaave’s Syndrome?
Barogenic, rise in pressure
Which clinical sign may be elected when carrying out a cardio exam on a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of Boerhaave’s syndrome?
Hamman’s Sign (crunching sound of heart due to pneumomediastinum)
What is the cause for Hamman’s Sign?
Heart beating against air-filled tissues in pneumomediastinum which can occur for example in Boerhaave’s Syndrome
What investigations would you order in a patient with suspected Boerhaave’s Syndrome?
- CXR: Mediastinal, peritoneal, prevertebral air; widened mediastinum
- Water-soluble contrast swallow: Localises lesion
- CT: Confirmatory findings = oesophageal wall oedema, peri-oesophageal fluid ± bubbles and widened mediastinum
How would you treat a patient with Boerhaave’s Syndrome?
• IV Fluid Resuscitation \+ • Broad-spectrum ABX ± • Surgery
Outline the fundamental difference between Boerhaave’s Syndrome and Mallory-Weiss Syndrome.
Boerhaave’s Syndrome is a complete transmural tear cf Mallory-Weiss is a non-transmural tear. Both are present in the lower oesophagus.
State 3 RFs for Mallory-Weiss Syndrome.
- Alcohol
- Advanced age
- Hiatal hernias
In a patient with suspected Mallory-Weiss Syndrome due to symptoms of haematemesis, vomiting and epigastric pain, which investigations would you order?
• OGD: Intramural dissections (mucosa + submucosa)
How would you treat a patient with Mallory-Weiss Syndrome?
• Endoscopy (endoscopic hemostasis) ± Blood transfusion: Identify cause of bleeding, stop bleeding (adrenaline ± cautery/clips) ± Blood transfusion
What are oesophageal varices.
Enlarged veins within the oesophagus due to obstructed blood flow in the portal system characterised by brisk haematemesis, melaena and pre-syncope/LOC.
Outline the pathophysiology of Oesophageal varices.
• Hepatic pathology (e.g. Cirrhosis) leading to raised intrahepatic resistance. New backlog of blood via portal vein –> left gastric (coronary) vein and increased blood into azygous veins causes venous hypertension in the peri-oesophageal plexus = distension = varices ± rupture
A patient with liver cirrhosis presents with brisk haematemesis. What investigations will you order?
- Endoscopy
* CT
How do you manage Oesophageal varices?
• Endoscopy (endoscopic hemostasis) ± Blood transfusion: Identify cause of bleeding, stop bleeding (adrenaline ± cautery/clips) ± Blood transfusion
+
• NSBBs: Propanolol/Carteolol
What intervention may be done to treat Oesophageal varices?
TIPS
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
Describe Eosinophilic Oesophagitis.
Chronic, immune-mediated condition characterised by oesophageal dysfunction, vomiting, regurgitation, heartburn, abdominal pain and histological proof of eosinophilic infiltration of epithelium (oesophagus)
State 3 RFs for Eosinophilic Oesophagitis.
- FHx
- Male
- Atopic disease
- Bimodal age: Children + Younger adults
- Caucasian
How would you investigate someone with suspected Eosinophilic Oesophagitis? What may you see if these are positive.
- OGD: Fixed oesophageal rings; focal oesophageal strictures; diffuse oesophageal narrowing; oedema; linear furrows; crêpe paper mucosa (mucosa fragility readily tearing in response to minor trauma)
- Oesophageal Biopsy: Eosinophilic count ≥ 15 per microscopy field
What term is given to fragile mucosa tearing readily, as seen on an OGD?
Crepe paper mucosa
In which condition may you see Crepe Paper Mucosa on an OGD?
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
How would you manage a patient with known Eosinophilic Oesophagitis? Proven by OGD with crepe paper mucosa, focal strictures and oesophageal narrowing. A biopsy has shown an Eosinophilic count of 25 per field.
• Oral corticosteroid: Budesonide/Fluticasone
±
• Endoscopic oesophageal dilatation
What is Oesophageal cancer?
Neoplasm in the mucosa originating from epithelial cells lining oesophagus, presenting with dysphagia and odynophagia
State 5 RFs for Oesophageal cancer.
- Male sex
- Smoking (SSC)
- Alcohol use (SSC)
- FHx (SSC)
- High temperature beverages and foods (SSC)
- GORD/ Barrett’s Oesophagus (AC)
- Hiatus Hernia (AC)
What are the two main types of Oesophageal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell Carcinoma
State 3 common Sx a patient may present with if they have Oesophageal cancer.
- Dysphagia
- Odynophagia
- Weight loss
- Hoarseness
- Hiccups
What investigations may you wish to carry out in a patient with Oesophageal cancer?
• Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) + Biopsy: Mucosal lesion; Histology shows SCC or AC
Consider
• CT-T/CT-A: T/N/M
• FDG-PET: Hyperactivity at 1º tumour site and locoregional disease
• Bronchoscopy + FNA: May show involvement of tracheobronchial tree
How may you treat a patient with oesophageal cancer?
Any Ca question, consider supportive, medical and surgical management.
Conservative: fluids/ diet/ stenting \+ Medical: Chemotherapy/ Radiotherapy \+ Surgical: Resection/ Oesophagectomy
A patient has an oesophageal cancer which is present in the mucosa alone. What stage is this?
1a
A patient has an oesophageal cancer which is present in the mucosa and submucosa. What stage is this?
1b
A patient has an oesophageal cancer which extends into the muscle layer. What stage is this?
2
A patient has an oesophageal cancer which extends into connective tissue surrounding the muscle. What stage is this?
3
A patient has an oesophageal cancer which extends into the diaphragm and pericardium. What stage is this?
4a - coverings of body
A patient has an oesophageal cancer which extends into the diaphragm, aorta and pericardium. What stage is this?
4b - surrounding structures
A patient has an oesophageal cancer which is present in the mucosa and submucosa. What stage is this? How may you treat it?
Endoscopic resection or Oesophagectomy
+
Chemotherapy
Outline the stages of vomiting.
Nausea
Retching
Vomiting
How do you treat vomiting as a symptom?
Supportive: Position/ Fluids/ Rehydration/ Assurance \+ Medical: Anti-emetics \+ Surgical/Medical: Tx underlying cause
Which two areas of the brain control vomiting?
Vomiting Centre (in medulla)
Chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in 4th ventricle
Which anti-emetic would you give to someone with motion sickness?
Hyoscine hydrobromide (M1 antagonist)
What is the MOA of hyoscine hydrobromide?
M1 antagonist thus blocks ACh binding M1 receptors to reduce vomiting centre activation in motion sickness
Which side effects may you get with hyoscine hydrobromide and why?
Anti-muscarinic
SLUDGE - Salivation/ Lacrimation/ Urination/ Defaecation/ GI distress/ Emesis
Which anti-emetic would you Rx in a patient with a labyrinthine or vestibular disorder?
Cyclizine or Promethazine
What is the MOA of Cyclizine?
Anti-histamine binding at H1 receptors and blocking
Works centrally on the vomiting centre to reduce vomiting.
When is Cyclizine indicated?
N+V
Labyrinthine/ Vestibular disorder
Morning sickness
Palliative care
When would Cyclizine be contraindicated?
Severe liver disease
State the potential side effects of Cyclizine.
Depression
Agitation
Drowsiness
Angle closure glaucoma
What is the MOA of Promethazine?
Anti-histamine binding at H1 receptors and blocking
Works centrally on the vomiting centre to reduce vomiting.
What is the MOA of Chlorpromazine?
D2 antagonist, reducing activation of the CTZ with D2 receptors
When would chlorpromazine be indicated?
Severe N+V
Ca related
What is the MOA of Domperidone?
D2 antagonist, blocking peripheral D2 receptors, promoting gastric emptying and peristalsis
Which dopamine antagonist anti-emetic is safest in a patient with a Movement Disorder?
Domperidone
What is the MOA for Metoclopramide?
D2 antagonist, blocking central in CTZ D2 and M1 receptors receptors to increase cardiac sphincter tone.
When is Metoclopramide indicated?
N+V Chemo Radio Post-op Migraines
Which endocrine disorder may CI metoclopramide?
Phaechromochytoma - excess Catecholamines, Dopamine antagonist may stimulate Catecholamine increase further, increasing risk of a Hypertensive crisis
Prolactinoma
What are the SEs of Metoclopramide?
Extrapyramidal side effects
Prolactin release
What is the MOA of Ondansetron?
Block 5HT3 (5HT3 released by enterochromaffin cells following chemo/radiotherapy) receptor at CTZ to reduce vomiting
When is Ondansetron indicated?
Ca related
Post-op
When is Ondansetron CI?
LQTS
What is a SE of Ondansetron?
Headaches
What is Peptic Ulcer disease?
Breach in mucosal lining of stomach or duodenum (> 5mm in diameter) with penetration to the submucosa.
What is the size criteria for an ulcer? If not, what is it called?
5mm <
< 5mm = ‘erosion’
State 3 RFs for Peptic Ulcer disease
- H. pylori infection
- NSAIDs
- Smoking
- Increasing age
Why do NSAIDs cause ulcers?
NSAIDs inhibit COX-1 enzyme which produces PGEs and TXAs which are anabolic. Therefore, reduced anabolism of the gut wall leads to increased susceptibility to erosion and damage by HCl
What are the common signs and symptoms of Peptic Ulcer disease?
- Abdominal pain: epigastric; pointing sign
- Epigastric tenderness
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Early satiety
What investigation may you do to confirm a peptic ulcer?
- H. pylori urea breath test/stool antigen test: Positive if H. pylori present
- Upper GI endoscopy: Peptic ulcer
- FBC: Microcytic anaemia
- Serum gastrin level: Hypergastrinemia in Z-E Syndrome
What is Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome?
1 tumour ≤ present in the Gastrinoma triangle (Passaro’s triangle), producing gastrin which leads to hyper secretion of HCl
What is Passaro’s triangle?
Passaro’s triangle (Gastrinoma triangle) is an area between the body of gall bladder, D2/D3 and neck/body of pancreas - where gastrinomas are likely to be found
Outline the areas of Passaro’s triangle
Gallbladder body
D2/D3
Neck and Body of pancreas
What diagnostic test can confirm Z-E syndrome?
• Serum gastrin level: Hypergastrinemia in Z-E Syndrome
On an endoscope, you see an ulcer with active, bleeding ulcer. How do you treat this?
• Endoscopy (endoscopic haemostasis) ± Blood transfusion: Identify cause of bleeding, stop bleeding (adrenaline ± cautery/clips) + Blood transfusion
+
• PPI: Esomeprazole/Pantoprazole/Omeprazole
OR
• H2R Antagonists: Ranitidine/ Cimetidine
On an endoscope, you see an ulcer but no active bleeding. How do you treat this?
• PPI
You identify a patient with a peptic ulcer as confirmed by their OGD endoscope. There is no active bleeding. A urea breath test is positive. How do you treat this?
• H. pylori eradication: PPI + Amoxicillin + Metronidazole/ Tetracycline ± Bismuth
What is Gastritis?
Gastric mucosal inflammation often caused by H. pylori/ NSAIDs/ alcohol use/bile reflux or infection which is characterised by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe emesis, acute abdominal pain and fever.
What are the types of Gastritis?
• Erosive: Inflammation of stomach lining (NSAIDs/Alcohol/Stress/Portal hypertension/Radiation)
-> Menetrier’s Disease is a subtype
• Non-Erosive: Changes to stomach lining without gradual breakdown (H. pylori)
• Phlegmonous: Rapidly progressive bacterial infection of stomach wall (S. aureus; E. coli; C. welchii)
What is Menetrier’s Disease?
Menetrier disease is a rare disorder characterized by massive overgrowth of mucous cells (foveola) in the mucous membrane lining the stomach, resulting in large gastric folds. The most common symptom associated with Menetrier disease is pain in the upper middle region of the stomach (epigastric pain). The cause of Menetrier disease is unknown.
State 5 RFs for Gastritis.
- H. pylori infection
- NSAID use
- Alcohol ingestion
- PMHx Gastric surgery
- Autoimmune disease
- Critically-ill patients
- Bacterial infection
What symptoms may a patient have should they have gastritis?
- Nausea
- Dyspepsia
- Fever
- Emesis
Which investigations would you wish to conduct in a patient presenting with signs and symptoms of gastritis - nausea, vomiting, fever, dyspepsia and emesis?
- H. pylori urea breath/faecal antigen test: Positive in H. pylori infection
- FBC: Variable; Leukocytosis (Phlegmonous gastritis); Reduced Hb, reduced Hct and increased MCV (autoimmune gastritis)
- Endoscopy: Variable – gastric erosions ± atrophy
Which type of gastritis may you see leukocytosis in?
Phlegmonous gastritis; Gastroenteritis (e.g. Viral)
How do you treat a patient with an H.pylori infection?
• H. pylori eradication therapy: PPI + Amoxicillin/Tetracycline + Metronidazole ± Bismuth
How do you treat a patient with an erosive gastritis as confirmed by history and OGD?
• RF profile reduction (remove offending agent)
+
• PPI/H2A: Omeprazole/ Esomeprazole/ Lansoprazole OR Ranitidine/Cimetidine
±
• Intervention: Endoscopic haemostasis
How do you treat a patient with bile reflux as a cause of their gastritis?
• PPI: Rabeprazole
What is the MOA of Rabeprazole?
Inhibits H+/K+-ATPase (P5) to reduce secretion of gastric acid from parietal cells which creates an electrochemical gradient of H+ out for K+ in and Cl- passing through a transporter, diffusing down the electrochemical gradient.
How do you treat a patient with an phelgmonous gastritis as confirmed by history, FBC, swab culture and OGD?
• ICU admission + Supportive care \+ • BS ABX: Piperazillin/Tazobactam + Clindamycin ± • Gastrectomy
What is Atrophic Gastritis?
mucosal atrophy, gland loss and metaplastic changes caused by chronic inflammation either from autoimmune (AMAG) or environmental causes (EMAG) characterised by haematemesis, epigastric pain, abdominal paraesthesia, dyspepsia and anaemia.
What are the two forms of Atrophic Gastritis?
- Autoimmune Metaplasic Atrophic Gastritis (AMAG)
* Environmental Metaplasic Atrophic Gastritis (EMAG)
What is a main difference between atrophic gastritis and gastritis?
Atrophy of the gastric mucosa and gland loss due to chronic inflammation causes gastric erosions and atrophy which may present with haematemesis
A patient presents with nausea, dyspepsia, fever and haematemesis. On investigation, they have a positive urea breath test. OGD shows gastric erosions and atrophy.
How will you manage this patient?
• H. pylori eradication therapy: PPI + Amoxicillin/Tetracycline + Metronidazole ± Bismuth for 7-10/7 \+ • PPI Continue therapy ± • Endoscopic haemostasis
A patient presents with nausea, dyspepsia, fever and haematemesis. On investigation, they have a negative urea breath test. OGD shows gastric erosions and atrophy. Serology shows anti-IF Abs.
What is the DDx?
How will you manage this patient?
Autoimmune Metaplastic Atrophic Gastritis (AMAG)
• Agent exposure reduction/discontinuation
+
• PPI/H2A: Omeprazole/ Esomeprazole/ Lansoprazole OR Ranitidine/Cimetidine
±
• Immunosuppressants: Prednisolone
±
• Vitamin B12
How may portal hypertension cause gastritis?
Portal hypertension occurs when there is obstructed flow to the liver via HPV. The blood backs up and the coronary vein and superior mesenteric vein/ splenic veins. This leads to back up of the L+R gastric veins (draining usually into HPV) and the R+L Gastro-omental veins (draining usually into the SMV then HPV).
This leads to increased total gastric flow, cytokine release and gastric mucosal injury which results in impaired gastric flow and over-expression of NOS which leads to gastritis.
What is Gastric Cancer?
Neoplasm developing in any portion of the stomach, with the predominant type being adenocarcinomas, characterised by abdominal pain, weight loss and lymphadenopathy
What is the most common type of gastric cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
State 5 RFs for gastric cancer.
- Advanced age: 50-70 years
- Male sex
- Smoking
- FHx
- H. pylori (corpus-predominant gastritis)
- Pernicious anaemia
What symptoms may a patient present with should they have a gastric cancer?
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Lymphadenopathy
- Nausea
- Lower GI bleeding: Melaena
What investigations would you want to conduct in a patient with suspected gastric cancer?
• Upper GI Endoscopy ± Biopsy: Ulcer/Mass/Mucosal ∆; Biopsy ∆s include HER2/neu immunohistochemistry
Consider
• Endoscopic Ultrasound: Stage tumour
• CXR: Metastatic lesions
• PET Scan: Metastatic disease
A patient presenting with nausea, vomiting, haematemesis, weight loss and lymphadenopathy is scoped. They find a mass which is staged to be a stage 1 gastric cancer, confined to the mucosa.
The patient is well and fit other than well-controlled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with just insulin.
What is the management for this patient?
Include the holistic management of this patient.
• Surgery: Resection
± Chemo: Epirubicin + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil
RAPRIOP
Reassure
Advice - 6 hours no food or dairy, 2 hours no clear liquids
Prescription
- Insulin managed via 1/3 rule. Give insulin the night before surgery, reducing basal insulin by 1/3. Omit insulin on morning of op and use sliding scale with syringe driver. Give 5% Dextrose at 125mL. Check BM every 2 hours and alter infusion rate. Continue until patient can eat and drink normally then overlap. Give SC insulin 20 minutes before meal and stop IV infusion 30-60 minutes after eating.
Concept: 1/3 rule as 1/3 morning insulin then overlap is 20 mins before (1/3 of 60) and IV infusion stopped after 60 minutes.
Referral
Investigation
Observations
Patient understanding
A patient presenting with nausea, vomiting, haematemesis, weight loss and lymphadenopathy is scoped. They find a mass which is staged to be a stage 2 gastric cancer, confined to the mucosa.
The patient is well and fit other than well-controlled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
What is the management for this patient?
Include the holistic management of this patient.
• Surgery: Resection
+ Chemo: Epirubicin + Cisplatin + Fluorouracil (pre) AND Radiotherapy + Fluorouracil (post)
RAPRIOP
Reassure
Advice - 6 hours no food or dairy, 2 hours no clear liquids
Prescription
- Insulin managed via 1/3 rule. Give insulin the night before surgery, reducing basal insulin by 1/3. Omit insulin on morning of op and use sliding scale with syringe driver. Give 5% Dextrose at 125mL. Check BM every 2 hours and alter infusion rate. Continue until patient can eat and drink normally then overlap. Give SC insulin 20 minutes before meal and stop IV infusion 30-60 minutes after eating.
Concept: 1/3 rule as 1/3 morning insulin then overlap is 20 mins before (1/3 of 60) and IV infusion stopped after 60 minutes.
Referral
Investigation
Observations
Patient understanding
A patient presenting with nausea, vomiting, haematemesis, weight loss and lymphadenopathy is scoped. They find a mass which is staged to be a stage 2 gastric cancer, confined to the mucosa.
The patient is 89 years old and not a surgical candidate.
What is the management for this patient?
• Chemoradiation: Radiotherapy + Fluorouracil
What is a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST)?
Common type of stromal/mesenchymal tumour in the GI tract present commonly in the stomach and proximal SI which have malignant potential and are asymptomatic.
How may a gastrointestinal stromal tumour present?
Asymptomatic thus usually an incidental find
How do you treat a patient who is a surgical candidate with a GIST?
Surgical resection
How do you treat a patient who is a non-surgical candidate with a GIST?
• Imatinib (TKI)
What is a Gastric lymphoma (MALT lymphoma)?
Cancer of the lymph nodes, composed of small B cells, lymphocytes, immunoblasts, present in the stomach which is derived from MALT, commonly caused by H. pylori infection, characterised by GI bleeding, night sweats, fever, nausea and vomiting.
State 3 RFs for a MALT lymphoma.
- H. pylori infection
- Advanced age > 60 years
- Autoimmune diseases
- Female sex
What is the main cause of MALT lymphoma?
H. pylori (90%)
State the common Signs and Symptoms of a MALT Lymphoma.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- GI bleeding
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- SOB
- Hemoptysis
- Cough
What investigations may you conduct in a patient with N+V, GI bleeding, night sweats, fever and weight loss suspicious of MALT lymphoma?
- FBC: Anaemia; Thrombocytopenia
- Blood smear: Hypochromic, microcytic or Normocytic, normochromic
- Upper G endoscopy: Chronic gastritis/Peptic ulcer seen
- H. pylori stool antigen: Positive
- LFTs: Normal/elevated
- Basal metabolic profile: Normal or abnormal
How do you treat a MALT lymphoma? The patient is H.pylori positive.
• H. pylori eradication therapy: TOM ± B
How do you treat a MALT lymphoma? The patient is H.pylori negative.
• Radiotherapy
How do you treat a MALT lymphoma? The patient is H.pylori positive. The cancer exhibits high grade changes and is advanced.
• Chemotherapy
What is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
Gastrin-secreting tumour resulting in gastric acid (HCl) hypersecretion with secondary ulceration characterised by symptoms of epigastric pain and diarrhoea.
State a risk factor for ZES?
MEN1 - Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1. Causes tumours of endocrine and non-endocrine systemicm
∆MEN1 gene, inherited autosomal dominant.
Diagnostic criteria is two or more endocrine tumours.
What is the mnemonic for MEN1?
3 Ps
Parathyroid hyperplasia
Pancreas
Pituitary