Esophagus Flashcards
Where does the esophagus lie in reference to the trachea?
Posterior
Which esophageal sphincter is more associated with pathologies?
Lower
Atresia, tracheal fistula, and stenosis are examples of what kind of esophageal lesions?
Mechanical (diagnosed just after birth)
What are two examples of functional lesions of the esophagus?
Aperistalsis
Achalasia
Ectopic gastric mucosa affects what portion of the esophagus?
Upper 1/3
What is the cause of irritation with ectopic gastric mucosa in the esophagus?
Gastric acid irritates the esophagus
What is the major concern with ectopic gastric mucosa in the esophagus?
Rick of cancer development
Is ectopic gastric mucosa usually symptomatic or asymptomatic?
Asymptomatic
Esophageal varices is secondary to what condition?
Portal hypertension (cirrhosis)
What is achalasia?
Failure of lower esophageal muscles to relax
What is the triad seen with achalasia?
1 Incomplete LES relaxation
2 Increased LES tone
3 Esophageal aperistalsis
What is the treatment for achalasia?
Botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilatation
What is the most common form of achalasia?
Primary (loss of inhibitory innervation to LES)
What is the cause of secondary achalasia?
Co-morbitidy that impairs esophageal functioning
Chagas disease, irradiation, diabetes, and polio would be examples of conditions that could lead to what form of achalasia?
Secondary
Where is the inflammation specifically seen in secondary achalasia?
Auerbach’s plexus
What is the specific location for esophageal varices?
Distal esophagus (closest to liver)
What disease develops in 90% of cirrhosis patients?
Alcoholic liver disease
What two conditions can result from liver cirrhosis?
Alcoholic liver disease
Hepatic schistosomiasis
What makes 50% of first-time bleed with esophageal varices lethal?
Possibility for hypovolemic shock
What condition can arise due to toxins accumulating in the CNS from liver failure and advanced cirrhosis?
Hepatic encephalopathy (hepatic coma)
What is unique about the symptomatology of esophagitis?
Symptoms do not correlate well with the degree of inflammation
What is the term for pain when swallowing?
Odynophagia
What are the symptoms of esophagitis?
Odynophagia and dysphagia
What is the most common cause of esophagitis?
Reflux esophagitis (GERD)
GERD affects what percent of U.S. adults?
25-40%
What kinds of things can lead to reflux esophagitis?
LES dysfunction, increased gastric volume, obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol
What is the most common outpatient gastrointestinal complaint?
GERD (esophagitis)
What is the usual age of onset for GERD?
Over 40 years
“Sour brash” is associated with what condition?
GERD
What is the treatment for GERD?
PPIs (omeprazole)
What are the three forms of esophagitis?
1 GERD
2 Chemical
3 Infectious