Esophagus Flashcards
At what point are esophageal folds abnormal? (size)
Differentiate reflux esophagitis from varices.
2-3 mm in diameter
Varices will be more serpentine and change shape during fluoro
What do transverse folds represent? How do they differ from those in a feline esophagus?
Develop as a result of prior linear ulceration with scar formation with the longitudinal muscle layer
Transverse folds are fixed, coarser, and shorter. They also do NOT cross the entire esophageal lumen
Describe the imaging/pathology of intramural pseudodiverticulosis.
Who gets it and what is the association?
Multiple tiny outpouchings diffuely/segmentally in the esophagus with an apparent LACK OF COMMUNICATION with the esophageal lumen. Represent dilated submucosal glands (like GB adenomyomatosis).
Elderly patients with chronic reflux, complain of progressive dysphagia. 90% have association with upper/mid esophageal stricture.
Where is a barretts stricture seen? what is the pathology?
What are the other types of stricture and where are they seen?
Focal esophageal stricture above the GE junction in the mid esophagus with associated reticulation. Metaplasia of normal squamous epithelium to adenomatous mucosa. Occur at mid esophagus because adenomatous mucosa is resistant.
Medication induced - points of anatomical narrowing (thoracic inlet, aortic arch, left mainstem bronchus)
Caustic - long segment of narrowing.
What percentage of reflux patients develop barrets? What is the risk for cancer transformation?
5-20%
1%/year
Give 3 diagnoses for multiple nodular filling defects of varying size
Reflux esophagitis
Candida - symptomatic
Glycogen acanthosis - asymptomatic elderly patient. Due to increased cytoplasmic glycogen in squamous epithelial cells. Margins are hazy.
How does crohns present in the esophagus?
Aphthous ulceration - discrete ulcers with mounds of edema
Describe the appearance of candidal esophagitis.
Differentiate between reflux, glycogen acanthosis, and herpes
Discrete plaquelike lesions are most common. Can have nodular and granular appearance with fold thickening. Severe disease will have SHAGGY IRREGULAR luminal surface.
Reflux - usually distal esophagus
GA - asymptomatic elderly patient
Herpes - more commonly ulceration
Describe the appearance of herpes esophagitis
Differentiate between CMV
discrete ulcerations in an otherwise normal esophageal mucosa
CMV is usually a large, solitary, discrete ulcer
Large solitary ulcer in AIDS patient suggest what. What is seen on biopsy.
CMV esophagitis. Will see intranuclear inclusions
What is the pathology behind achalasia? What is the gold standard for diagnosis? What is the main differential?
Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax.
Manometry
Pseudoachalasia (due to carcinoma) - achalasia will show periodic relaxation
What is vigorous achalasia?
What are the complications of achalasia?
Less severe form with non-propulsive contractions on top of LES tightening
Squamous cell carcinoma (surveillance begins 10-15yrs after dx)
Candidiasis results from stasis
What is pseudoachalasia?
Fixed, rigid stricture at the GEJ due to carcinoma
When does caustic stricture develop? What is the risk of carcinoma?
Usually 1-3 months after injury
1-4% risk of esophageal cancer after 20 years
What is cicatricial pemphigoid strictures of the esophagus? Who gets it? Associated findings?
Differentiate between caustic strictures
Multifocal strictures throughout the esophagus in a patient with bullous disease. Will have blistering of all mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, nose, esophagus, larynx, urethra, anus). Usually between 60-80 yrs with transient skin lesions on back of head and neck.
Caustic usually isn’t multifocal.
Distinguishing feature of radiation induced esophageal stricture? How high of a dose usually?
time frame for acute radiation injury? stricture development?
Spares the GE junction. >50 Gy
Acute= 1-4 weeks Strictures= 4-8 months
Diffusely small caliber esophagus with ringlike indentations and granular mucosa +/- stricture?
Tx?
Eosinophilic esophagitis.
Topical steroids
How does lymphoma affect the esophagus?
Usually by mass effect from a mediastinal LN causing a focal stricture. Can also spread via stomach
With regard to strictures, give the main differential dx for the following findings:
smooth margins, immediately above GEJ mid esophagus Abrupt, shouldered margins GEJ stricture with transient relaxation GEJ fixed stricture Long and narrow stricture Skin lesions Stricture with multiple rings
Peptic Barretts Carcinoma Achalasia Pseudoachalasia Caustic/NG tube Cicatricial/bullous Eosinophilic esophagitis
Differential for a smooth surfaced mass with an obtuse angle between mass and esophageal lumen
with enhancement?
SUBMUCOSAL
GIST (+CE)
Leiomyoma (+CE)
Duplication cyst - water attenuation