Esophagus Flashcards
Replacement of normal squamous epithelium with metaplastic columnar epithelium
Barrett esophagitis
Medications that may worsen GERD
Tetracycline Bisphosphonates Iron NSAIDs Anticholinergics (Atropine, Scopalamine) Ca Channel blockers Narcotics Benzodiazepines
When is Endoscopy warranted for GERD
Severe disease (spontaneous supine occurrences) to assess for epithelial damage
Patients older than 45 yrs with new onset of symptoms, frequently recurring symptoms, failure to respond to therapy
Recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, anemia
Workup for GERD should always include
Cardiac workup, for ischemia (EKG)
Additional testing in severe / refractory cases, or to prep for operation
Manometry (pre op, motility testing)
24 hr pH testing
Barium swallow
Treatment for patients with significant nighttime GERD symptoms
H2 blocker at bedtime w PPI in the daytime
Drugs that decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure
Beta Agonists Alpha adrenergic agonists Nitrates CCBs Anticholinergics Opiates Barbituates
Common causes of esophagitis
CMV
HSV
Candida
Odynophagia and dysphagia in an immunocompromised patient indicates
Esophagitis
Endoscopy of an immunocompromised patient shows large, deep ulcers of the esophagus. What might be the case
CMV or HIV
Endoscopy of an immunocomproimsed patient shows multiple shallow ulcers in the esophagus. What might be the cause
HSV
Definitive diagnosis for esophagitis
Cytology or culture from endoscopic brushings
Most common presenting symptom for all motility disorders
Dysphagia
Patient with a history of trauma to brain stem or cranial nerves IX, X who has trouble swallowing both solids and liquids
Neurogenic dysphagia
Outpouching of posterior hypo pharynx that can cause regurgitation of undigested food and liquid into pharynx several hours after eating
Zenker Diverticulum
Dysphagia with solid foods. Can progress slowly (more benign process) or rapidly (indicates malignancy)
Esophageal stenosis
Global esophageal motor disorder in which peristalsis is decreased and lower esophageal sphincter tone is increased, causing slowly progressive dysphagia with episodic regurgitation and chest pain
Achalasia