Esophagus Flashcards
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Causes of dysphagia
- Neuromuscular pathologies - MG, Scleroderma, Achalasia
- Obstruction - Tumors, webs
- Motility issues
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
How does Neuromuscular pathologies affects swallowing?
Difficulties swallowing SOLIDS + LIQUIDS
Tests to identify underlying causes of dysphagia
- Barium swallow
- EGD
- Manometry
General Tx of Dysphagia
- Diet modification
- Pharmacologic tx
- Training in swallowing techniques
Achalasia
Failure of LES to relax
Mechanism of Achalasia
- Dysfunction of Nitric Oxide Synthase producing neurons
- Denervation of esophageal muscle
What does pts. w/ Achalasia have inc. risk for?
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Causes of Secondary Achalasia
- Cancer
- Chagas disease
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Amyloidosis
- Sarcoidosis
CFs of Achalasia
- Dysphagia to solids & liquids
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
Dx of Achalasia
- Esophageal manometry
- Barium swallow
Esophageal manometry results in Achalasia
- Inc. resting tone of LES
- Dec relaxation of LES after swallowing
- Impaired peristalsis
Barium swallow results in Achalasia
- “Bird’s beak” appearance @ LES
- Proximal esophageal dilation
Tx of Achalasia
- Esophagomyotomy - Preferred tx in pts. w/ low surgical risk
- Ballon/ Pneumatic dilation of LES
- Botulinum toxin injection in LES
- Nitrates
- Calcium channel blockers
Mechanism of pharmacologic tx of Achalasia
Dec LES tone
Why is ballon dilation less likely treatment choice of Achalasia?
-Esophageal rupture
Boerhaave Syndrome
Transmural esophageal perforation caused by sudden inc. in intra-esophageal pressure & dec in intrathoracic pressure.
Causes of Boerhaave Syndrome
- Severe vomiting & straining (MCC)
- Seizure
- Childbirth
- Weightlifting
- Prolonged coughing or laughing
MC location of esophageal rupture in Boerhaave syndrome
Left Posterolateral aspect of distal esophagus
Mackler Triad CFs of Boerhaave Syndrome
- Forceful vomiting
- Retrosternal chest pain
- Spontaneous emphysema
Other CFs of Boerhaave Syndrome
- Fever
- Hypotension
- Abdominal rigidity
- Tachypnea <– Pleural effusion
- Odynophagia + Neck pain (Cervical perforation - RARE)
How does Pleural Effusion occur in Boerhaave syndrome?
Perforation –> Leakage of esophageal contents into pleural cavity –> Contamination
Mediastinitis-induced effusion