Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

GI > Esophagus > Flashcards

Esophagus Flashcards

1
Q

Substernal burning sensation

often radiates to the neck

A

Pyrosis (heartburn)

Highly specific for GERD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Difficulty swallowing?

PAINFUL swallowing?

A

Dysphagia

Odynophagia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Characterirized by immediate sense of bolus catching in the NECK

Need to swallow repeatedly to clear food from pharynx

Or coughing/chocking

A

Pharyngeal (oropharyngeal)

Pharyngeal = prompt

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Esophageal dysphagia can be caused, broadly, by what?

A

Mechicanical obstruction (solids)

Motility disorders (more severe: solids and liquids)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Study of choice for evaluating heartburn, dysphagia, odynopahgia, structura abnormalities?

A

Upper endoscopy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

In patients w/ suspected motility disorders (of the esophagus) what study should be performed first?

A

Barium swallow

barium esophagography

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Mechanical causes of esophageal dysphagia…

A

Schatzki ring

Stricture (Peptic)

Eisonophilic esophagitis

Cancer (Esophageal )

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Motility-related causes of esophageal dysphagia

A

Achalasia

ineffective esophageal motility (duh)

Diffuse esophageal spasm

Scleroderma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Tests function of LES?

A

esophageal manometry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

A diagnostic study option for esophageal dysphagia but only provides info for acid reflux (no nonacid data provided)

A

pH testing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

GERD…

  1. Heartburn. May be exacerbated by meals, bending, or ____?
  2. Typical uncomplicated cases do not require _____.
  3. Endoscopy demonstrates abnormalities in ____ of patients
A
  1. recumbency.
  2. diagnostic studies.
  3. one-third (so, MOST patients will NOT have abnormalities)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

two most common symptoms of GERD?

A

heartburn and regurgitation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Etiologies of GERD?

A
  1. Dysfunction of the LES (usually due to transient relaxations of LES caused by gastric distention)
  2. Hiatal hernias
  3. Abnormal esophageal clearance
  4. Delayed gastric empyting (gastroparesis or obstruction)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Damage to the mucosa of the esophagus due to acidity of refluxate… gastric fluid is what pH?

A

4.0, which is caustic to the esophageal mucosal surface

prolonged exposure -> dysplasia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Number one symptom of GERD? When’s it appear?

A

Heartburn… 30-60 min pc

Or upon reclining

(relieved w/ antacids)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

GERD pts also typically present w/ waterbrash

A

regurgitation of sour fluid or almost tasteless saliva into the mouth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

GERD is one of the top three causes of?

A

Chronic cough

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

less common ssx associated w/ GERDth

A 
Cough
Dysphagia (Suggest advacned dz)
Laryngitis
Sore throat
Chest pn
Difficulty w/ sleep (pts might angle their beds)

NOTE: in the absence of heartburn, these atypical unlikley to be related to GERD!!!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Physical exam for GERD is unremarkable… but what should be in your differential diagnosis?

A 
Esophageal motility d/o
Peptic ulcer
ANGINA PECTORIS
functional d/o
Eosinophilic esophagitis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Initially no work up for GERD is warranted unless patient presents w/ alarm freatures, which are?

A

Fever/chills/ns

Wt. loss

Odynophagia

Dysphagia

OR patient who doesn’t respond to (h2, PPI therapy)

They get an EGD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

GERD Pt w/ alarm features OR pts who don’t respond to therapy will get an EGD.

However, a specialist may also order what?

A

EGD = test of choice

But also consider esophageal pH or LES manometry

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Barrett’s Esophagitis (15% of pts w/ GERD)… what happens to the esophageal tissue?

(GERD complication)

A

Normal squamous epithelium of esophagus is replaced by metaplastic columnar epithelium containing goblet and columnar cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Development of Barret esophagus may affect ssx of GERD in what way?

A

Development may actuallY REDUCE ssx

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Barrett esophagus increases risk for what?

A

esophageal adenocarcinoma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

A less common (5%) complication of GERD? Presents how?

How might we treat this complication?

A

Peptic stricture… presetned w/ progressive food dysphagia

(can also result in reduction in heartburn as stricture acts as barrier)

(tx is endoscopic dilation)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is a tx for ALL patients w/ GERD?

A

Lifestyle modifications

Smaller meals, avoidance of acidic foods or those that precipitate reflux and discontinue tobacco use

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

GERD Lifestyle modificatins in regards to sleep?

A

Avoid lying down for 3 hours after meals

Elevate the head of the bed

(also, consider wt loss)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Infrequent heartburn (less than once weekly) can be treated w/ what (in addition to lifetsyle mods)

A

OTC antacids (tums, rolaids, etc.) [provide rapid relief but short duration]

H2 receptor antagonists (-tidines)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Compare antacids w/ H2 receptor antagonists

A

OTC antacids (quick relief/short duration; contain Mg so caution in pts w/ kidney problems)

H2 receptor antagonists (onset is 30 mins, but provide 8 hrs relief)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Patients w/ troublesome ssx and pts w/ known complications of GERD (erusive, esophagitis, Barret, stricture) should be treated w/ what?

A

Lifestyle mods

PPIs (-prazoles) taken before breakfast

(superior to H2antagonists)

31
Q

If ssx persist beyond 4 weeks w/ PPI conisder what?

A

PPI BID

32
Q

If ssx persist beyond 4 weeks w/ PPI BID, then what?

A

Refer for EGD!

33
Q

Any patient w/ alarm ssx of GERD gets?

What are the alarm ssx?

A

EGD duh

Dysphagia

Odynophagia

Wt. loss

Fever/chills/ns

34
Q

Pts may discontinue use of PPI after how long?

A

8-12 wks if relief has been achieved. However, 80% will relapse and require PPIs again. can try a lower dose or “on-demand” pharmacotherapy

35
Q

When should you cosnider a fundoplication for a pt w/ GERD?

A

In those who are refractory to tx or have serious dz

36
Q

Three types of esophagitis?

A

Infectious (candida, CMV, herpes)

Pill-induced

Eosinophilic

37
Q

Immunosurpressed pt w/ odynophagia, dysphagia, and chest pn?

What you think and how do you diagnose?

A

Infectious esophagitis

Diagnose w/ endoscopy w/ biopsy

38
Q

What are the common etiological agents of Infectitous esophagitis? How do get a specific diagnosis?

A

Candidia (#1)

CMV

Herpes

Get a endoscopy w/ biopsy for specific diagnosis

39
Q

Infectitous esophagitis tx is directed at the specific agent. For fungal, whats the tx?

A

Empirically, w/ antifungal (fluconazole)

If no response in 5 days, schedule an EGD

40
Q

What are some common offending agents for pill-induced esophagitis?

How do we fix?

A

NSAIDs

K-Cl pills

quinidine

Abx (doxy, tetra, clinda, TMP-SMX)

Vitamin C

(patients should remain upright for 30 mins to avoid)

41
Q

Eosinophilic esophagitis ssx? Dx? Tx?

A

Dysphagia w/ solid foods AND heartburn

Dx w/ EGD w/ mucosal biopsy which should show eisinophilic infiltrates.

42
Q

What should you ask a pt w/ suspected eosinophilic esophagitis?

A

Ask about a history of ashtma/allergies/atopic dermatitis

43
Q

Tx for eosinophilic esophagitis?

A
  1. First line = PPI BID for 2 months
  2. Referall to allergist/immunologist
  3. Topical corticosteroids (swallowed/inhaled Fluticasone)
44
Q

Esophageal webs… thin membranes of squamous epithelium. Mosty asymptomatic, but may cause?

A

intermittent dysphagia

45
Q

Schtazki/esohageal rings… assocaited w/? Ssx?

A

Similar to webs, usually asymptomatic, but may cause dysphagia or GERD like symptoms

Associated w/ hiatal hernia

46
Q

Diagnosis and tx for esophgeal webs/rings?

A

Barium swallow…

Tx is w/ endoscopic dilation (balloon dialtion)

47
Q

Ssx of zenker diverticulum?

Dx w/?

A

Progressive dysphagia

Sensation of food sticking

Halitosis

Regurgitation of undigested bolus

Diagnose w/ barium swallow

48
Q

Gradual, progressive dysphagia for solids and liquids.

Regurgitation of undigested food.

Barium esophagogram with “bird’s beak” distal esophagus.

Esophageal manometry confirms diagnosis.

A

achalasia

49
Q

Where does the peristalsis of achalasia occur?

And what’s is impaired?

A

Peristalsis is in distal 2/3… relaxation of LES is impaired

50
Q

Progessive dysphagia for solids AND liquids

Regurge of undigested food

Substernal discomfort after eating

Adotoption of emptying manuevers

Wt loss

A

achalasia

51
Q

PE is unremarkable but a barium swallow will show a birds beak deformity

A

achalasia

52
Q

How do you confirm achalasia?

A

EGD and manometry

53
Q

A differential that should be considering in idiopathic achalasia?

A

Chagas dz (consider if recent travel to S/C America)

more rapido in onset

54
Q

Tx for achalasia?

A
  1. Botulinum toxin (but will likely relapse)
  2. Pneumatic dilation
  3. Surgery (cardiomyotomy + fundiplication + PPI)
55
Q

Develop secondary to portal hypertension.

Found in 50% of patients with cirrhosis.

One-third of patients with _____develop upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Diagnosis established by upper endoscopy.

A

esophageal varices

56
Q

Dilated submucosal veins that develop 2* to portal HTN?

A

esophageal varices

57
Q

Risk factors for increased risk of esophageal bleed….

(1) the size of the varices
(2) the presence at endoscopy of ____ (longitudinal dilated venules on the varix surface)
(3) the severity of liver disease (as assessed by Child scoring)
(4) active _____

A
  1. red wale markings

4. alcohol abuse

58
Q

Tx of an esophageal varice bleed?

A

Hemostasis/stablization

59
Q

After stablization of esohageal varices, what’s the follow on tx?

A

Consider prophylatic abx…

Reduce portal HTN! (ocreotide)

Propanol (beta blockade)

Variceal band ligation

60
Q

Hematemesis; usually self-limited.

Prior history of vomiting, retching in 50%.

Endoscopy establishes diagnosis.

A

Mallory weiss tear

61
Q

Non penetrating mucosal tear a GEJ?

A

Mallory weiss tear

62
Q

For MWT, what’s the order of tx?

A

Stablize then upper endoscopy

63
Q

Tx for MWT also includes?.

A

Endoscopic hemostatic agents (epi, cautery, endoclip)

64
Q

Complete rupture of the esophagus

Shock, pneumomediastinum

A

Boerhaave syndrome

65
Q

Esophageal carcinoma…

Relatively form of cancer

3:1 male to female ratio…

Maybe ____ or _____

A

squamous cell or adenocarcinoma

66
Q

When do esophageal carcinomas present?

A

Late, w/ advanced disease

67
Q

Progressive food dysphagia

Odynophagia

Significant unexplained weight loss

May have aches/pains

A

Esophageal carcinoma

aches/pains from mets

68
Q

Dx of esopahgeal carcinoma?

A

Non specific lab findings

Barium swallow to asses dysphagia

EGD establishes dx…

69
Q

Tx of esophageal carcinoma?

A

Depends on staging… usually involves combo of surgery/chemo/rad

(poor prognosis)

70
Q

How do you confirm the Dx of achalasia?

A

Esophageal Manometry

71
Q

Barium esophagography discloses characteristic findings, including esophageal dilation, loss of esophageal peristalsis, poor esophageal emptying, and a smooth, symmetric “bird’s beak” tapering of the distal esophagus.

What do we do next?

A

After esophagography, endoscopy is always performed to evaluate the distal esophagus and GEJ to exclude a distal stricture or a submucosal infiltrating carcinoma. The diagnosis is CONFIRMED by esophageal manometry.

72
Q

what is esophageal manometry? What does it confirm?

A

Manometry will indicate how well the esophagus can perform peristalsis. Manometry also allows the doctor to examine the muscular valve connecting the esophagus with the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES.

Confirms the dx of achalasia

73
Q

which study would I do on the esophagus to measure pH continuously for 24-48 hours?

A

Esophageal pH recording and Impedance Testing

Great for measuring acid reflux, but not nonacid reflux.

GI (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions