Gastroeneterology Flashcards
What is the secondary prophylaxis of Hepatic encephalopathy?
Lactulose and rifaximin
What is the first-line management for hepatic encephalopathy?
Lactulose
What are the features of autoimmune hepatitis?
Present with signs of chronic liver disease
Acute hepatitis: Fever, jaundice
Amenorrhoea
ANA/SMA/LKM1 antibodies, raised IgG levels
What is the management of autoimmune hepatitis?
Steroids
Immunosuppressants - Azathioprine
What autoantibodies are associated with type autoimmune hepatitis?
Anti-nuclear (ANA)
Anti-smooth muscle (SMA)
What screening investigation is performed in haemochromatosis?
Transferrin saturation
What is the presentation of haemochromatosis?
Bronze tint of the skin
Chondrocalcinosis of the finger joints
Raised glucose
Liver disease
Which gene is associated with haemochromatosis?
HFE gene
What is the typical iron study profile in a patient with haemochromatosis?
Transferrin saturation raised
Raised ferritin
Low TIBC
What is the first-line management of haemochromatosis?
Venesection is the first-line management
Desferrioxamine is second line
Which criteria is used in the diagnosis of IBS?
Rome criteria
What is the presentation of IBS?
altered stool passage (straining, urgency, incomplete evacuation) abdominal bloating (more common in women than men), distension, tension or hardness symptoms made worse by eating passage of mucus
What is the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS?
Recurrent abdominal pain for >3 months with 2 of the following:
1) Related to defecation
2) Associated with a change in frequency of the stool
3) Associated with a change in form (appearance)
What medication is used to induce remission in Crohn’s disease?
Prednisolone
What are the presenting features of oesophageal varices?
Usually a large volume of fresh blood. Swallowed blood may cause melena. Often associated with haemodynamic compromise. May stop spontaneously but re-bleeds are common until appropriately managed.
What are the presenting features of a Mallory-Weiss tear?
Typically brisk small to moderate volume of bright red blood following a bout of repeated vomiting. Malena rare. Usually ceases spontaneously.
What is the management of variceal bleeding?
terlipressin and prophylactic antibiotics should be given to patients at presentation (i.e. before endoscopy)
band ligation should be used for oesophageal varices and injections of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for patients with gastric varices
transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) should be offered if bleeding from varices is not controlled with the above measures
What is Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome?
Numerous hamartomatous polyps in the GI tract
Pigmented freckles on he lips, face, palms and soles
Intestinal obstruction
GI bleeding
What is the investigation of choice for suspected perianal fistulae in Crohn’s?
MRI pelvis
What is administered to induce remission in a severe acute exacerbation of UC?
Intravenous corticosteroids
Per the Truelove and Witt’s criteria how many bowel motions is associated with severe UC?
> 6 bowel motions a day with blood and fever
What drug is used to maintain remission in UC?
Methotrexate
What is administered to induce remission in moderate-mild flares of UC?
Oral corticosteroid
Oral or topical Sulfalazine
Melanosis coli is associated with what?
Associated with laxative abuse (Senna)
What is the presentation of melanosis coli on histology?
Disorder of pigmentation of the bowel wall, histology demonstrates pigment-laden macrophages
What complication of UC is associated with cholestasis?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Isoniazid therapy can cause what type of vitamin deficiency?
B6 deficiency causing peripheral neuropathy
What is the first-line investigation of Budd-Chiari syndrome?
Ultrasound with Doppler flow studies
What is GORD?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is defined as the inflammation of the oesophageal lining due to the reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus and oral cavity.
What is the pathophysiology of GORD?
- Increased frequency of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation.
- Decreased resting LOS pressure
- Reduced saliva production (Xerostomia) – disturbs pH clearance leading to increased irritation of mucosal oesophageal lining.
- Abnormal peristalsis Reduced volume clearance.
What is the definition of a sliding hiatal hernia?
In a sliding hiatal hernia, the stomach is distended through the diaphragm superiorly, increasing gastric acid reflux into the distal oesophagus and gastroesophageal junction.
What is the definition of a rolling hiatus hernia?
In a rolling hiatus hernia, the gastroesophageal junction is intact, the herniated portion of the stomach is alongside the oesophagus.
• Surgical emergency because the stomach can become ischaemic.
• Barium swallow shows barium in the fundus of the stomach superior to the diaphragm.
What is the presentation fo GORD?
Heart-burn - Post-prandial burning sensation in the chest
Aggravated by:
- Lying supine
- Bending
- Large meals
- Drinking alcohol
Waterbrash
Aspiration
Dysphagia
What is waterbrash?
Regurgitation of an excessive accumulation of saliva from the lower part of the oesophagus
What are the symptoms of aspiration pneumonia?
Hoarseness, laryngitis, nocturnal cough, and wheee
What are the investigations for GORD?
Clinical diagnosis
OGD & biopsy
24-48 ambulatory pH monitoring
Oesophageal manometry
Barium swallow
What is the first-line management for GORD?
20mg PPI (Omeprazole) for initial course of 8 weeks
What are the surgical management for GORD?
- Dilatation peptic strictures
* Laparoscopic Nissen’s fundoplication.
What lifestyle changes are made for GORD?
o Weight loss o Elevating head of bed o Avoiding provoking factors o Smoking cessations o Lower fat meals and avoiding large meals in the evening.
What are the two types of oesophageal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
What cell type is implicated in adenocarcinoma?
Columnar glandular epithelium
Which type of oesophageal cancer is more prevalent in developing countries?
Squamous cell carcinoma
Which type of oesophageal cancer is more prevalent in the Western world?
Adenocarcinoma
What are the risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma?
Alcohol Tumour Plummer-Vinson syndrome Achalasia Scleroderma Coeliac disease Nutritional deficiencies Dietary toxins (e.g., nitrosamines – cured meats, pickles)
What are the risk factors for adenocarcinoma?
GORD
Barrett’s oesophagus
What is the most common presenting complaint for oesophageal cancer?
Dysphagia
How does dysphagia present in oesophageal cancer?
Dysphagia for solids progressing to liquids.
What is the presentation for oesophageal cancer?
Odynophagia- Pain on swallowing
Weight loss
Hoarseness - Upper oesophageal tumous can impinge the recurrent laryngeal nerve
Dysphagia
Regurtiation
Cough
Fatigue
What are the metastatic signs in oesophageal cancer?
Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy
Hepatomegaly
Hoarseness
Signs of broncopulmonary involvement
What is the first-line investigation for Oesophageal cancer?
OGD with biopsy
What is the most common site of squamous cell carcinomas within the oesophagus?
Upper two-thirds of the oesophagus
What is the most common site of adenocarcinomas within the oesophagus?
Lower 1/3 of oesophagus
What is the preferred modality for regional staging of oesophageal cancer?
Endoscopic ultrasound
What radiological modality is used to stage oesophageal cancer?
CT chest and abdomen
What is the definitive management for stage 0 or initial stage oesophageal cancers?
Endoscopic resection w/wo mucosal ablation (radiofrequency)
Oesophagectomy
What type of oesophagectomy is performed in the management of oesopahgeal cancer?
Ivor-Lewis type oesophagectomy
Define acute cholangitis?
Acute cholangitis is an infection of the biliary tree
What is the aetiology of acute cholangitis?
Due to obstruction of the gallbladder or bile duct due to gall stones
- ERCP
- Tumours
- Bile duct strictures or stenosis
- Parasitic infection
What type of bacteria is associated with ascending cholangitis?
Enteric bacteria - E.coli, Klebsiella, Entercoccous
What is the presentation of ascending cholangitis?
Charcot’s triad of symptoms
- RUQ pain and tenderness
- Jaundice
- Fever with rigors
Pruritus
Pale stools
What is Charcot’s triad?
RUQ pain and tenderness
Jaundice
Fever
What is Reynold’s Pentad?
Mental confusion Septic shock-hypotension -RUQ pain -Jaundice -Fever
What is the first-line diagnostic investigation for ascending cholangitis?
Abdominal ultrasound - stones and dilatation of the common bile duct
What blood test findings are seen in ascending cholangitis?
Raised inflammatory markers - CRP/ESR
-LFTs - Hyperbillurubinaemia, raised serum transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase
What is the first-line management for ascending cholangitis?
Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics + rehydration using saline bolus fluid
What is the definitive management for ascending cholangitis?
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after 24-48 hours to relieve any obstruction
Cholecystectomy is there are underlying gallstones
What is acute cholecystitis?
Inflammation of the gallbladder predominantly due to an impacted gallstone obstruction within the cystic duct or gallbladder neck
-Bile stasis and mucous production can result in gallbladder distension
What is the presentation of acute cholecystitis?
Constant RUQ pain Tenderness in RUQ Palpable mass Fever Nausea Right shoulder tip pain Localised peritonism
Guarding
Rebound tenderness
Murphy’s sign positive
What is Murphy’s sign positive?
Right hypochondrial tenderness worsens on inspiration.
What is the gold-standard investigation for acute cholecystitis?
Abdominal ultrasound of the biliary tree
What does an abdominal ultrasound reveal in acute cholecystitis?
- Pericholecystic fluid
- Distended gallbladder
- Thickened gallbladder wall (>3mm)
- Gallstones
- Positive sonographic Murphy’s Sign
What does an FBC reveal in acute cholecystitis?
Neutrophilia
And moderate leucocytosis
Deranged LFTs in acute cholecystitis may suggest what?
Deranged LFTs may indicate Mirizzi syndrome - a gallstone impacted in the distal cystic duct causing extrinsic compression of the common bile duct
What is the definitive management for acute cholecystitis?
Cholecystectomy
+ Conservative management - ABx
What is the presentation of biliary colic?
colicky right upper quadrant abdominal pain
worse postprandially, worse after fatty foods
the pain may radiate to the right shoulder/interscapular region
nausea and vomiting are common
in contrast to other gallstone-related conditions, in biliary colic there is no fever and liver function tests/inflammatory markers are normal
Where does biliary colic pain radiate to?
Right scapula
What can exacerbate biliary colic pain?
Precipitated by a fatty meal
What are the main risk factors for biliary colic?
Fat: obesity is thought to be a risk factor due to enhanced cholesterol synthesis and secretion
Female: gallstones are 2-3 times more common in women. Oestrogen increases activity of HMG-CoA reductase
Fertile: pregnancy is a risk factor
Forty
What is the pathophysiology of biliary colic?
occur due to ↑ cholesterol, ↓ bile salts and biliary stasis
the pain occurs due to the gallbladder contracting against a stone lodged in the cystic duct
What is the gold-standard investigation for biliary colic?
Abdominal ultrasound
What is the definitive management for biliary colic?
Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
What is cirrhosis?
A condition in which the liver responds to hepatocyte injury/death by replacing damaged hepatic parenchyma with fibrous tissue and nodules.
What are the risk factors for cirrhosis?
- Chronic alcohol use
- Hepatitis C infection
- Chronic hepatitis B infection
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Hereditary haemochromatosis
- Wilson disease
- Alpha 1-anittrypsin deficiency
- Intravenous drug use
- Other: Unprotected intercourse, obesity, and blood transfusion.
What is the presentation of cirrhosis?
Abdominal distension due to ascites in portal hypertension
Jaundice and pruritus - Decompensated cirrhosis secondary to reduced hepatic excretion of conjugated BR.
Haematemesis and melaena
• Hand and nail features: Leukonychia, palmar erythema, and spider naevi.
- Leukonychia (white nails) – Secondary to hypoalbuminemia
- Polished nails – Secondary to excessive scratching in pruritus
- Palmar erythema – Redness of thenar and hypothenar eminences,
- Spider naevi – Blanch on pressure and spider-like branches fill from a central arteriole.
- Bruising, finger clubbing and cholesterol deposits in palmar creases in primary biliary cholangitis.
- Dupuytren contracture in alcohol-related liver disease
• Facial features:
- Spider naevi – Blanch on pressure and spider-like branches fill from a central arteriole.
- Telangiectasia – Red focal lesions resulting from irreversible dilatation of small blood vessels in the skin.
- Bruising, rhinophyma, parotid gland swelling
- Red tongue in alcohol-related liver disease.
- Seborrheic dermatitis, jaundiced sclera and xanthelasma.
• Abdominal features
- Caput medusa – Collateral circulation of the abdominal wall around the umbilicus.
- Bruising
- Hepatomegaly
- Splenomegaly
- Abdominal distension – Particularly in the flanks with shifting dullness and fluid thrill secondary to ascites.
- Hepatic bruit – Present with a vascular hepatoma
- Loss of secondary sexual hair and testicular atrophy in men.
What facial features are seen in decompensated cirrhosis?
- Spider naevi – Blanch on pressure and spider-like branches fill from a central arteriole.
- Telangiectasia – Red focal lesions resulting from irreversible dilatation of small blood vessels in the skin.
- Bruising, rhinophyma, parotid gland swelling
- Red tongue in alcohol-related liver disease.
- Seborrheic dermatitis, jaundiced sclera and xanthelasma.
What abdominal features are seen in decompensated cirrhosis?
- Caput medusa – Collateral circulation of the abdominal wall around the umbilicus.
- Bruising
- Hepatomegaly
- Splenomegaly
- Abdominal distension – Particularly in the flanks with shifting dullness and fluid thrill secondary to ascites.
- Hepatic bruit – Present with a vascular hepatoma
- Loss of secondary sexual hair and testicular atrophy in men.
What hand and nail features are seen in decompensated cirrhosis?
• Hand and nail features: Leukonychia, palmar erythema, and spider naevi.
- Leukonychia (white nails) – Secondary to hypoalbuminemia
- Polished nails – Secondary to excessive scratching in pruritus
- Palmar erythema – Redness of thenar and hypothenar eminences,
- Spider naevi – Blanch on pressure and spider-like branches fill from a central arteriole.
- Bruising, finger clubbing and cholesterol deposits in palmar creases in primary biliary cholangitis.
- Dupuytren contracture in alcohol-related liver disease.
What is hepatic fetor?
Sweet putrid smell of the breath
What are the LFT findings in cirrhosis?
AST and ALT levels increase with hepatocellular damage
- Raised BR
- GGT elevated
- Reduced albumin
- Reduced serum sodium
What is the definitive investigation for cirrhosis?
Liver biopsy
What does a liver biopsy reveal in cirrhosis?
Most specific and sensitive test for diagnosis of cirrhosis.
- Result: Architectural distortion of the liver parenchyma with formation of regenerative nodules.
What are the coagulation study findings in decompensated liver cirrhosis?
Prolonged prothrombin time
Reduced platelet count - Thrombocytopenia
INR
What should be performed if ascites is present?
Peritoneal tap for microscopy and culture to identify for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
What investigation is performed in NAFLD?
Transient elastrography
What scoring criteria is used in liver disease to assess the severity of cirrhosis?
Child-Pugh Score?
What parameters are assessed in the Child-pugh score?
Bilirubin (umol/l) Albumin (g/l) Prothrombin time (seconds prolonged) Encephalopathy Ascites
What is SBP?
• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) – An ascitic tap with neutrophils >250mm3 indicates SBP. Patients with a low ascitic albumin are especially at risk Treated with prophylactic antibiotics.
Why do oesophageal varices occur?
Portal hypertension leads to dilatation of oesophageal veins. The veins are susceptible to rupture (fatal in patients with coagulopathy).
What bile-acid sequestrants are used to manage pruritus?
Cholestyramine
What is the management of ascites?
Fluid restriction and low-salt diet
Consider Spironolactone and furosmide
What is the prophylactic management for recurrent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy?
Lactulose and rifaximin
What is the definitive treatment for liver cirrhosis?
Liver transplant
What scoring system is used to assess the survival benefit of a liver transplant?
MELD
Which disease is associated with a secondary cause of achalasia?
Chagas disease
What is achalasia?
Failure of the LOS to relax resulting in apersistalsis - Degeneration of the myenteric plexus to produce NO and VIP
What is the presentation of achalasia?
Dysphagia of both solids and liquids
Regurgitation due to food trapped in the oesophagus
Gradual weight loss -Due to lack of food ingestion
What is the gold-standard investigations for achalasia?
High resolution oesophageal manometry - Incomplete relaxation and Aperistalsis at the LOS
What are the other investigations performed in achalasia?
Upper GI Endoscopy - Retained food debris with dilated wall
Barium swallow - Birds beak appearance
What is seen in a barium swallow for achalasia?
Birds beak appearance
What is the management for achalasia?
Heller’s cardiomyotomy
What are the risk factors for GORD?
Hiatus hernia Obesity Gastric acid hypersecretion Alcohol Smoking Pregnancy LOS tone reducing drugs (TCAs)
What are the main presenting features of GORD?
Post-prandial pain Acid regurgitation - bitter Waterbrash Odynophagia Chronic cough or nocturnal asthma
What is the gold-standard investigation for GORD?
Resolution of symptoms after 8 week PPI trial
What is the surgical management for GORD?
Nissen fundoplication
Magnetic bead banding
What are the risk factors for PUD?
H.pylori NSAIDs - Reduced bicarbonate production Smoking Increased/decreased gastric emptying Gastric specific ulcers - Cushing (Vagus) and Curling ulcers
What are the two types of peptic ulcers?
Duodenal ulcers
Gastric uclers
What enteroendocrine hormone is secreted in Zollinger Ellison Syndrome?
Gastrin
What is the PUD presentation?
Epigastric pain (pointing sign)
Directly after meal = gastric ulcer
N&V
Mild weight loss
What are the complications of PUD?
Haemorrhage
Perforation
Obstruction
What is the gold-standard investigation for PUD?
Upper GI endoscopy - reveal ulcerations
What investigations are performed for PUD?
Upper GI Endoscopy (Gold)
-H pylori tests - Urea breath test and stool antigen test (test after 6-8 weeks9
Serum fasting gastrin level
What lifestyle changes are recommended in PUD?
Smoking cessation
Reducing alcohol intake
What medical therapy is indicated in H.pylori positive PUD?
Triple therapy
PPI , amoxicillin, clarithromycin 7 day eradication therapy
-Consider metronidazole if contraindicated
What is the management of H.pylori negative PUD?
Offer 4-8 weeks of PPI therapy
Define gastritis?
Histological presence of mucosal inflammation
What are the two types of hernias?
Hiatus hernias Sliding hernias (80%)
Define hiatus hernia?
Protrusion of abdominal contents into the thorax - usually stomach
What is the most common hiatus hernia?
Sliding hernia
What are the risk factors for hiatus hernias?
Obesity
Increasing intra-abdominal pressure
What are the presentation of hiatus hernia?
Asymptomatic
GORD symptoms (Worse when lying flat)
Palpitations or hiccups indicate pericardial irritation
What is the gold standard investigation for hiatus hernia?
Upper GI endoscopy
What does a CXR reveal in hiatus hernia?
Retrocardiac bubble
What is the surgical management for hiatus hernia?
Fundoplication
What is the aetiology o Barret’s oesophagus?
Metaplasia of normal stratified squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium
What is the gold standard investigation for Barrett’s oesophagus?
Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy (Revealing columnar epithelium)
What is the management of non-dysplastic Barrett’s oesophagus?
Maximise PPI therapy and surveillance every 2 years
What is the management for low-grade dysplasia?
Monitor every 6 months to assess growth
What is the definitive management for high-grade dysplasia?
Therapeutic intervention - radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic mucosal resection for nodular growths.
Smoking increases what type of oesophageal carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma
What is the presentation of oesophageal cancer?
Dysphagia - first solids progressing to liquids
Rapid weight loss
Hoarseness
What is the gold standard investigation for oesophageal cancer?
Upper GI Endoscopy with biopsy
Define gastric cancer
Neoplasm originating in any portion of the stomach (Adenocarcinoma)
Intestinal - H.pylori associated
diffuse - E-cadherin associated
What are intestinal gastric cancers associated with?
H.pylori
What are the main risk factors for gastric cancers?
Pernicious anaemia
H pylori
Nitrosamines
What is the presentation of gastric cancer?
Vague epigastric abdominal pain
Weight loss common
Lymphadenopathy (Left supraclavicular- Virchow’s node)
Sister mary joseph nodule
Krukhenberg tumour- ovaries
What is the gold standard investigation for gastric cancer?
Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy
What does a biopsy reveal in gastric cancer?
Signet ring cells
Define Mallory-Weiss Tear
Longitudinal lacerations in the mucosa and submucosa near the GOS
Self-limiting
What are the risk factors for a Mallory-Weiss tear?
Persistent retching, coughing, vomiting, or straining found in alcoholics and bulimics
(Increase in intra-abdominal pressure)
What is the presentation of Mallory-Weiss tear?
Haematemesis is the most common Light-headed/dizziness Postural hypotension Dysphagia Melanea
What is the gold standard investigation in a MW tear?
Upper GI Endoscopy
What happens to the serum urea in an upper GI bleed?
Serum urea increases (Breakdown of erythrocytes)
What risk assessment scores are associated in upper GI bleeds?
Rockall Score
Glasgow-Blatchford score
What is the first-line management of a Mallory-Weiss tear?
Endoscopy inject adrenaline or conduct band ligation to stop bleeding
Anti-secretory therapy (PPI) before endoscopy. - seems to reduce re-bleed
Anti-emetics to prevent recurrence
Second line - sengstaken-Blakemore tube
What biochemical marker is raised in an acute upper GI bleed?
Urea - may be seen due to the protein meal of blood
What is the Glasgow-Blatchford score?
the Glasgow-Blatchford score at first assessment
helps clinicians decide whether patient patients can be managed as outpatients or not
What is the Rockall score?
he Rockall score is used after endoscopy
provides a percentage risk of rebleeding and mortality
includes age, features of shock, co-morbidities, aetiology of bleeding and endoscopic stigmata of recent haemorrhage
What is the first-line management of varcieal bleeding after resuscitation with FFP and fluids?
Terlipressin and prophylactic Abx
What is the endoscopic therapy for oesophageal varices?
Endoscopic variceal band ligation SUPERIOR»_space; to endoscopic sclerotherapy
What is the management of oesophageal varices if band ligation is unsuccessful?
Insertion of Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
What is the prophylactic treatment for variceal haemorrhage?
Propanolol - reduced rebleeding
What is the most common type of colonic cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
What do colonic cancers arise from?
Dysplastic adenomatous polyps
What genes are implicated in colonic cancer?
HNPCC (Lynch Syndrome)
FAP
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
What is HNPCC?
Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
Fhx of bowel cancer at a young age
Symptomatic 30 yo’s
Colonoscopy - tumour without polyps (Not FAP)
what is Petuz-Jeghers syndroms?
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition characterised by numerous hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. It is also associated with pigmented freckles on the lips, face, palms and soles. Although the polyps themselves don’t have malignant potential, around 50% of patients will have died from another gastrointestinal tract cancer by the age of 60 years.
What are the UK cancer screening programmes?
Breast
Cervical
Bowel
What are the clinical features for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?
Features
hamartomatous polyps in GI tract (mainly small bowel)
pigmented lesions on lips, oral mucosa, face, palms and soles
intestinal obstruction e.g. intussusception
gastrointestinal bleeding
What gene is associated with FAP?
APC gene
What is the management for FAP?
Annual screening sigmoidoscopy
Polyps found = Resectional surgery
Resection and pouch Vs subtotal colectomy and IRA
What biochemical screening test is available for colorectal cancer?
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) tests
What is the FIT test?
Type of faecal occult blood test which uses antibodies that specifically recognise human haemoglobin
What is the age threshold to be invited for a flexible sigmoidoscopy screening for bowel cancer?
Age 55 years
What are the main risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Increasing age
Obesity
IBD (UC)
What is the presentation of colonic cancer?
Change in bowel habits
Rectal bleeding (Mixed in the stool and not bright red)
Weight loss
- FLAWs
Tenesmus
Anaemia symptoms
What are the indications for a 2WW for colonic cancer?
NICE updated their referral guidelines in 2015. The following patients should be referred urgently (i.e. within 2 weeks) to colorectal services for investigation:
patients >= 40 years with unexplained weight loss AND abdominal pain
patients >= 50 years with unexplained rectal bleeding
patients >= 60 years with iron deficiency anaemia OR change in bowel habit
tests show occult blood in their faeces (see below)
An urgent referral (within 2 weeks) should be ‘considered’ if:
there is a rectal or abdominal mass
there is an unexplained anal mass or anal ulceration
patients < 50 years with rectal bleeding AND any of the following unexplained symptoms/findings:
abdominal pain
change in bowel habit
weight loss
iron deficiency anaemia
A male >55 with FLAWs and altered bowel habits is associated with what
Colorectal cancer
What may tenesmus suggest?
A rectal mass
What is the most common cause of iron deficiency in men over 60?
Colorectal cancer
What does an FBC reveal in colorectal cancer?
Iron deficiency anaemia
What examination features are associated with colonic cancer?
Anaemia features
Palpable mass (Late)
Distension/ascites (late)
Lymphadenopathy (late)
How is colorectal cancer staged?
CT chest/abdomen/pelvis
What is the management of colonic cancer within the Caecal, ascending or proximal transverse colon?
Right hemicolectomy with ileocolic anastomosis
What is the surgical management for a colonic cancer residing within the Distal transverse, descending colon?
Left hemicolectomy with colo-colon anastomosis
What is the surgical management for sigmoid colon cancer?
High anterior resection
What is the surgical management for an anal verge colonic cancer?
Abdomino-perineal excision of rectum
What is the diagnostic investigation for colonic cancer?
Colonoscopy and biopsy
What does a double-contrast barium enema reveal in colonic cancer?
Apple core lesion - cancer causing strictures
What cancer marker is associated with colonic cancer?
Carcinoembryonic antigen
-Used to monitor for recurrence in patients post-operatively to assess response to treatment
What is the first-line Investigation for suspected colonic cancer?
2WW referral
W LFTs and FBC & DRE
What criteria is used to stage colonic cancer?
Duke’s staging + TNM classification
Apple core lesions (on a barium contrast double enema) are associated with what pathology?
Colonic cancer
What is Duke A staging in colonic cancer?
Tumour confined to the mucosa
What is Duke’s B staging in colonic cancer?
Tumour invading the bowel wall
What is Duke C staging in colonic cancer?
Lymph node metastases
What is the definitive treatment for colorectal cancer?
Surgical excision + adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapy
What are the common metastasis for colorectal cancer?
Liver
Lung
Bone
Brain
What is the most common site for colorectal cancer?
Rectal -40%
Sigmoid - 30%
What is Crohn’s disease?
Transmural inflammation of the GI tract affecting any part of the mouth to anus
Skips lesions
Where does Crohn’s disease most commonly affect?
Terminal ileum and perianal areas
What type of inflammation is associated with Crohn’s disease?
Non-caseating granuloma formation
What are the clinical features of Crohn’s disease?
presentation may be non-specific symptoms such as weight loss and lethargy
diarrhoea: the most prominent symptom in adults. Crohn’s colitis may cause bloody diarrhoea
abdominal pain: the most prominent symptom in children
perianal disease: e.g. Skin tags or ulcers
extra-intestinal features are more common in patients with colitis or perianal disease
What are the risk factors for Crohn’s disease?
FHx Cigarette smoking Oral contraceptive pill Diet high in refined sugars ?NSAIDs ?not breastfed
Describe the epidemiology of Crohn’s disease
Ashkenazi Jews
Bimodal peak:
15-40
60-80
Describe the abdominal pain in Crohn’s disease
Crampy or constant right lower quadrant and periumbilical pain (terminal ileum)
Describe the diarrhoea of Crohn’s disease
Mucous
Blood
Pus
Nocturnal
What peri-anal lesions are associated with CD?
Skin tags
Fistulae
Abscesses
What extra-intestinal manifestations are associated with CD?
Arthropathy (Joint pain)
Skin lesions
-Erythema nodosum
-Pyoderma gangrenosum
Ocular symptoms
-Uveitis, Episcerltiis
What skin manifestations are associated with CD?
Erythema nodosum
Pyoderma gangrenosum
What is erythema nodsum?
Swollen fat under the skin causing bumps and patches that look red or darker than the surrounding skin
What is pyoderma gangrenosum?
Characterised by small red/purple bumps or blisters (Papules or nodules) eventually eroding to painful ulcers - rapid progression
What ocular symptoms are associated with CD?
Uveitis
Episcleritis
Where does pyoderma gangrenosum typically affect?
Affects the legs
What may be found during an oral exam in a patient with CD?
Aphthous ulcers
What is the most common site for abdominal tenderness in CD?
Terminal ileum
What inflammatory markers are raised in CD?
ESR
CRP
Faecal calprotectin
What is a high risk complication of Crohns?
Anaemia of chronic disease
What type of diarrhoea is associated w Crohns?
Secretory diarrhoea due depletion of bile salt reabsorption
-Steatthorrhoea and increased gallstone formation
What vitamin deficiency may be associated with CD?
ADEK (Fat-soluble vitamins)
Severe ileal disease/resection can lead to what malabsorption?
B12 malabsorption
A plain AXR reveals what in Crohn’s?
Bowel dilation
What is revealed by a CT in Crohn’s?
Bowel wall thickening
Skip lesions
A bowel series X-ray with barium enema reveals what specific findings in Crohn’s disease?
Rose thorn ulcers - Deep ulcerations
String sign of Kantor - Fibrosis and strictures
String sign of Kantor reveals what in Crohn’s disease?
Fibrosis and strictures
What do rose thorn ulcers represent in Crohn’s disease?
Deep penetrating linear ulcers or fissuring seen within the stenosed terminal ileum
What is the confirmative test for Crohn’s disease?
Colonoscopy and biopsy (Histological evidence)
What is seen on colonoscopy in Crohn’s?
Ulcers
Cobblestone appearance
Skip lesions
What does String Sign of Kantor represent?
Oedema fibrosis with ulcerated mucosa - resembling fraying of string
How do you induce remission of Crohn’s disease?
Oral or IV steroids
-Prednisolone
Budenoside
What is the maintenance therapy for Crohn’s disease?
Immunomodulators -
Azathioprine
Mercaptopurine
Methotrexate
What are the biological therapies administered for Crohn’s?
Adalimumab
Infliximab
Vedolizumab
What is the mechanism of Infliximab?
TNF-a inhibitors
What is the worst complication for Crohn’s disease?
Obstruction - stricturing
Management with Hartmann’s operation or colectomy
What are the adjuncts in management for Crohn’s disease?
Nutritional therapy
Perianal disease mX
Smoking cessation
What are the indications for surgical management in Crohn’s?
For severe remissions/presentations
Refractory disease
Obstructed Pts
What is the first-line immunomodulator in the management of Crohn’s?
Azathioprine
What is the first-line biological therapy for Crohn’s?
Infliximab
What adjunctive therapy can be given for cramp relief in Crohn’s?
Anti-spasmotics
What is the definition of UC?
Continuous and uniform inflammation of the large bowel (originating from the rectum)
Where does UC begin?
Rectum - extending proximally
What gene is associated with UC?
HLA-B27
Also associated with Ankylosing spondylitis
Which colonic layer is affected by UC?
Mucosa
What are the risk factors for ulcerative colitis?
FHx
HLA-B27
Non-smoking (Smoking is protective in UC)
What is the presentation of ulcerative colitis?
Bloody diarrhoea Rectal bleeding + mucous Abdominal pain + cramps Tenesmus Weight loss
What are extra-intestinal manifestations of UC?
Peripheral arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Erythema nodosum Pyoderma gangrenosum Episcleritis> Uveitis
What examination findings may be seen in UC?
Anaemia signs - pallor
DRE - gross or occult blood comes out
Abdominal tenderness
Which liver pathology is highly associated with ulcerative colitis?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
What blood investigations are to be performed in UC?
FBC - Anaemia
LFTs - PSC
CRP/ESR - Inflammation
pANCA
What autoantibody is positive in UC?
pANCA
What is a severe complication of UC?
Toxic megacolon
What stool sample protein indicates inflammation in UC?
Faecal calprotectin
What signs may be seen in a plain AXR in UC?
Dilated bowel (>6cm = toxic megacolon) Thumbprinting
What is thumbprinting?
A radiographic sign of large bowel thickening - caused by oedema related to an infective or inflammatory process (colitis)
Haustra become thickened at regular intervals appearing like thumprints projecting into the aerated lumen
What type of bowel enema is used in UC?
Double-contrast bowel enema
What sign is revealed in a double-contrast bowel enema in UC?
Lead-pipe appearance
What is the diagnostic investigation for UC?
Colonoscopy and Biopsy
What colonoscopy findings are seen in UC?
Continuous, erythema, bleeding, ulcers
What histological findings are associated with UC?
crypt abscess
Depletion of goblet cell mucin
What is used to induce remission in UC?
Topical or oral Mesalazine (5-ASA)
and oral steroids - Oral beclamethasone
What is the normal maximum diameter of the small bowel?
35MM
Valvuae conniventes extend all the way across
What is the maximum normal diameter of the large bowel?
55mm
Haustra extend about a third of the way across
What is the first-line immunosuppressants in UC?
Methotrexate, Mercaptopurine, azathioprine
What is the main biologic involved in UC?
Infliximab
Ciclosporin
What is the definitive cure of UC?
Total colectomy
What are the three main complications of UC?
Colonic adenocarcinoma
Toxic megacolon
Psc
Which dietary peptide is associated with coeliac disease?
Gliadin
Found in Wheat, rye and Barley
What does Coeliac disease result in?
Villous atrophy
Hypertrophy of intestinal crypts
Increased lymphocytes in the epithelium and lamina propria
What are the risk factors for coeliac disease?
FHx
IgA deficiency
T1DM
Autoimmune thyroid disease
F>M
Western countries
What is the presentation of coeliac disease?
Diarrhoea (Chronic/intermittent)
Bloating
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Extra-intestinal
- Fatigue
- weight loss
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (elbows)
What dermatological manifestation is associated with coeliac disease?
Dermatitis herpetiformis (elbows) Bilateral itchy vesicles and plaques
Where does dermatitis herpetiformis affect?
Extensor surfaces, face, scalp, necl
What are the endoscopic findings in coeliac disease?
Loss of folds
Visible fissures
Nodular appearance
Absent villi
What is the first-line investigation for coeliac disease?
Immunoglobulin A tissue transgutaminase (IgA tTG)
-Elevated titre
Do Serum IgA to screen for IgA deficiency
-Consider IgG ttG
What is the diagnostic investigation for coeliac disease?
Duodenal biopsy and endoscopy
What does an endoscopy reveal in coeliac diseae?
Villous atrophy
Crypt hyperplasia
What autoantibodies are associated with coeliac disease?
IgA ttg
Endomysial antibody
What is the management for coeliac disease?
Gluten-free diet
-Vitamin + mineral supplements
Refractory - refer to specialist
What is the definition of IBS?
Chronic condition characterised by recurrent abdominal pain associated with bowel dysfunction
What are the three types of IBS?
IBS with diarrhoea - IBSD
IBS with constipation - IBS C
IBS mixed type - IBSM
What are the risk factors for IBS?
History of Physical/Sexual Abuse
PTSD
PMHx: Acute bacterial gastroenteritis
FHx
What is the epidemiology of IBS?
Females > M (2:1)
<50 Years.
What is the presentation of IBS?
Abdominal cramping in the lower/mid abdomen
Alteration of stool consistency (diarrhoea/constipation)
Defecation relieves abdominal pain/discomfort
What investigations would you perform to exclude IBS?
Anti-tTG (coeliac) Fecal calprotectin, lactoferrin (IBD) Serrum CRP (IBD) Colonoscopy (IBD) FBC (anemia – consider CRC) FOB test (CRC)
What lifestyle management is available for IBS?
Fibre Avoid: caffeine, lactose, fructose. Stress management Education + Reassurance \+ Probiotics ?
What is the medical therapy for IBS?
Laxatives (IBS-C)
Antispasmotics (cramps)
Antidiarrhoeals (IBS-D)
Define haemorrhoids
Vascular rich tissue cushions located within the anal canal
What is the aetiology of haemorrhoids?
Prolonged/ repetitive straining causes disruption of the tissues and results in elongation/dilation of the haemorrhoidal tissues.
What are the two types of haemorrhoids defined by the location to the dentate line?
External and internal
What is the dentate line?
The line between the simple columnar epithelium of the rectum and the stratified epithelium of the anal canal
What are grade 1 haemorrhoids?
No prolapse
Just prominent blood vessels, only bleeds
What are grade 2 haemorrhoids?
Prolapse upon bearing down but spontaneously reduce
What are grade 3 haemorrhoids?
Prolapse upon bearing down and requires manual reduction
What are grade 4 haemorrhoids?
Permanent prolapse and cannot be manually reduced
What does prolapse mean in relation to haemorrhoids?
Protrusion beyond the anal opening
What are the risk factors for haemorrhoids?
Constipation
Pregnancy
Space occupying pelvic lesions
What is the presentation of haemorrhoids?
Painless bleeding associated with defecation
(Bright red)
Anal pruritus (itching) Palpable mass felt
Describe the bleeding with haemorrhoids
bright red associated with defecation
Painless
What is the 1st-line and diagnostic investigations for haemorrhoids?
Anoscopic examination
Visualise haemorrhoids and confirms diagnosis
What is the conservative management of haemorrhoids?
Constipation advice
Lifestyle discourage straining
What is the management of grade 1 haemorrhoids?
Topical corticosteroids (Alleviates pruritus)
What is the management of grade 2 and 3 haemorrhoids?
Rubber band ligation
What is the definitive management for grade 4 haemorrhoids?
Surgical haemorrhoidectomy
How does rubber band ligation work?
Helps to stop blood flowing to the haemorrhoid - haemorrhoid dries up and falls off on their own (1-2 weeks)
What is a haemorrhoidectomy?
First line treatment for grade 4 internal haemorrhoids.
Under General anesthesia
Only takes ~20 mins
Surgeon excises or uses a stapler to remove haemorrhoids
What is a complication of a haemorrhoid?
Thrombosed haemorrhoid
What is the presentation of thrombosed haemorrhoids?
Significant pain and a tender lump
OE: Purplish, oedematous subcutaneous perianal mass
What is the management of a thrombosed haemorrhoid?
Within 72 hours - consider for excision
Managed with stool softners, ice packs, and analgesia
Define rectal prolapse
Rectum slides out of the anal canal
What is the cause of rectal prolapse?
Caused by long-term straining and anything causing weakness of pelvic floor muscles
What are the three types of rectal prolapse?
Internal
Mucosal - the mucosa drops out
External - Entire rectum drops out
What are the risk factors for rectal prolapse?
Chronic constipation + straining
Weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Natural birth
- trauma
obesity
What is the presentation of rectal prolapse?
Painless protruding mass following defecation
Mucoid discharge
incontinence
What is the first-line dan diagnostic investigation for rectal prolapse?
Clinical diagnosis
OE: Visualise
Ask the patient to strain to elicit prolapse
What is the mx for rectal prolapse?
DeLormes procedure
What is an anal fissure?
A split in the mucosal lining of the distal anal canal characterised by pain on defecation and rectal bleeding
What is the pathophysiology of anal fissures?
Hard stools tear the anal skin at the dentate line
Poor blood supply can be a cause
What are the risk factors for anal fissures?
Hard stool
Pregnancy
Opiates
What is the presentation of anal fissures?
Pain on defecation
Tearing sensation on defecation
Fresh blood on toilet paper
What is the first line diagnostic investigation for anal fissures?
Clinical diagnosis
EUAs
What is the first line management of anal fissures?
Manage constipation
High fibre diet
Adequate fluid intake
Sitz baths
Topical GTN
Topical dilitiazem
What topical management is applied for analgesia in anal fissures?
Topical GTN
What is the management for persistent fissures?
Botox and surgical sphincterectomy
How does topical GTN work?
Relaxes the muscles around the anus to relive the pain
What is an anal fistula?
A connection between the last part of the bowel and the skin around the anus
What is the aetiology of anal fistula?
Clogged anal glands and anal abscesses
Crohn’s disease
Radiation (cancer)
Trauma
What is the presentation of an anal fistula?
Frequent anal abscesses
Pain and swelling around the anus
Bloody / Foul smelling drainage (pus)
“in underwear”
What is the investigation of anal fistula?
Opening the skin around the anus
Not always visible
Anoscope/rectoscope
What is the surgical management of an anal fistula?
Fistulotomy
Seton - surgical thread that is left in the fistula - allows it to drain and helps it heal.
What is an anal abscess?
An infection of the soft tissues and collection of puss around the anus
What are the risk factors for anal abscesses?
RISK FACTORS:
Anal fistula
Crohn’s disease
Constipation
What is the presentation of anal abscess?
Perianal pain
Not related to defecation
Perianal swelling and tenderness
What is the first line investigation for anal abscess?
Clinical diagnosis
Visualise the abscess
What sit he definitive management for anal abscess?
Surgical drainage of the abscess
What is a pilonidal sinus?
Caused by the forceful insertion of hairs into the skin of the natal cleft in the sacrococcygeal area. Promotes inflammation and causes a sinus.
What is the presentation of pilondial sinus?
SACROCOCCYGEAL:
Discharge – offensive, staining underwear
Pain – worst on sitting down
Swelling
What is the management of a pilonidal sinus?
Surgical treatment - excision + sinus
Hair removal - laser
What are the things to note in a stoma?
Location (Right - ileostomy, left - colostomy)
Number of lumens 2 = loop
1- end
Flush or spouted
Comment on stoma bag -Solid/liquid Colour Blood mucous Inspect surrounding skin
How is unconjugated bilirurbin transported within the blood?
Associated with albumin
What is the definition of jaundice?
Increased bilirubin concentration in the blood
What are the breakdown products of haemoglobin?
Unconjugated bilirubin and iron
Which enzyme is responsible for conjugating bilirubin?
UDPGT
Where is conjugated bilirubin excreted into within the GI tract?
Duodenum
How is bilirubin secreted into the stools?
Stercobillin
How is conjugated bilirubin secreted into the urine?
Urobilinogen
What are the two common causes of pre-hepatic jaundice?
Haemolysis/Gilbert’s
What is raised in pre-hepatic jaundice?
Unconjugated bilirubin
Which enzymes are elevated in hepatic causes of jaudnice?
AST
ALT
What are the common hepatocellular causes of jaundice?
Hepatitis
Viral, alcoholic, autoimmune, drug
Cirrhosis
What are the common causes of obstructive jaundice?
Liver mass Gallstone PBC/PSC Pancreattic cancer Cholangiocarcinoma/Cancer Drug (ileus)
Which liver enzyme is elevated in obstructive jaundice?
ALP/GGT
what is the characteristic presentation of obstructive jaundice?
Dark urine (Conjugated bilirubin going into the urine)
Pale stools (lack fo stercobiliin) Pruritus (Bile salts into circulation)
Why is pruritus a presentation in obstructive jaundice?
Bile salts produced in the liver cannot enter the duodenum therefore leak into the circulation
-Excoriations result from this
What are the markers of the function of the liver?
INR
Prothrombin time
Albumin level
Platelet count
What is the presentation of hepatitis?
RUQ pain Jaundice hepatomegaly Joint pain Nausea Fatigue Dark urine
What are the three stages of alcoholic liver disease?
Steatosis (fatty)
Alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation)
Cirrhosis
What is the irreversible stage of alcoholic liver disease?
Cirrhosis
What are the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis?
After long term alcohol use, but sometimes after binge
Nausea, anorexia, weight loss, hepatomegaly
Severe: fever, jaundice, tachycardia, tender hepatomegaly, bruising, encephalopathy, ascites
What FBC signs are seen in alcoholic hepatitis?
Macrocytic anaemia
What are the LFT results in alcoholic hepatitis?
AST:ALT ratio >2
Raised Bilirubin
Raised GGT
Decreased albumin
Increased prothrombin time
Which liver enzyme is raised in alcoholic hepatitis?
AST:ALT >2
What is a sensitive marker of significant liver damage?
Prothrombin time (Prolonged)
What radiological investigation is performed for alcoholic hepatitis?
Hepatitic ultrasound
What does a liver biopsy reveal in alcoholic hepatitis?
Ballooning
Mallory bodies indicates hepatitis
What is the management indicated in alcohol abstinence?
Chlordiazepoxide
What is the management of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy?
Thiamine-Pabrinex
What are the risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Truncal obesity Insulin resistance/diabetes Hyperlipidasemia Hypertension Metabolic syndrome Short bowel syndrome TPN Signs of insulin resistance
What LFTs are seen in NAFLD?
AST:ALT elevated <1
GGT/ALP
Check glucose (raised)
What is the management of NAFLD?
Diet and exercise; controlling RFs (e.g., statins for hypercholesterolaemia, good blood sugar control for diabetics with metformin/thiazolidinediones)
How is hepatitis A&E transmitted?
Faeco-oral spread (sex/comntaminedwater)
What is ht management of viral hepatitis A and E?
Supportive
Avoid alcohol/excess paracetamol
Which HepA antibody is raised in acute Hep A infection?
Anti-HAV IgM - raised for 6 weeks
Which HepA antibody is raised in chronic infections?
Anti-HAV IgG
which hepatitis infection is more likely to become chronic?
Hepatitis C
What are the risks associated with viral hepatitis C?
cirrhosis/hepatocellular carcinoma
What is the management of acute hepatitis C infections?
Antiviral- sofosbuvir, ledipasvir
What is the management of acute hepatitis B?
Supportive management
What is the management of chronic hepatitis B infection?
Anti-viral therapy treatment suppresses HB DNA replication
peginterferon-a-2a OR tenofovir
Which antibody is raised in HepB vaccinted individuals?
Anti-HBs
Which antibody is raised in past infections of Hepatitis B?
Anti-HBc (IgG positive)
Which antibodies are raised in an acute infection of hepatitis B?
IgM Anti-HBc
HBsAg
Which antibodies are raised in a chronic infection of hepatitis B?
HBsAg
IgG positive Anti-HBc
How is hepatitis B transmitted?
Children more likely to be carriers/chronic
Sexually transmitted, IVDU, vertical
How is hepatitis C transmitted?
Blood product spread (IVDU/transfusioN)
What are the symptoms of an acute HepA infection?
Nausea Vomiting + Diarrhoea Fever Jaundice RUQ abdominal pain
Which hepatitis is transmitted predominantly by contaminated blood products?
Hepatitis C
What LFTs are associated with viral hepatitis?
AST/ALT (in 1000s)
Viral serology
What LFTs are associated with drug-induced hepatitis?
AST/ALT (In 1000s)
Serum paracetamol concentration
What is the management of a paracetamol overdose?
N-acetyl cysteine
Which autoantibodies are associated with autoimmune hepatitis?
ANA/ASMA
What is the aetiology of cirrhosis?
Normal liver is replaced with fibrosis and nodules of regenerating hepatocytes can be stable or decompensated
What is the diagnostic investigation for liver cirrhosis?
Transient elastrography
What are the common causes of liver cirrhosis?
Alcohol misuse Viral hepatitis (B/C) Autoimmune hepatitis Haemcrhomatosis NASH Chronic billiary disease
What is the peripheral stigmata of chronic liver disease?
Clubbing Spider naevi Dupuytren's contracture Palmar erythem Gynaecomastia Bruising
What is the definition of portal hypertension?
Increased pressure in the portal vein due to cirrhosis
What are the signs of portal hypertension?
Distended veins (varices)
-Caput medusae and oesophageal varices
Ascites
Splenomegaly
What is the management of cirrhosis?
Treat cause + avoid hepatotoxic drugs (alcohol, sedative,opiates, NSAIDs)
Monitor risk of complications (MELD score, 6-month USS, endoscopy upon diagnosis and every 3 years).
What is. the management of hepatic encephalopathy?
Oral lactulose
Oral rifaximin
phosphate enema
What gut product is implicated encephalopathy?
Ammonia
What should be restricted in hepatic encephalopahty?
Short-term protein restriction
What is the management of ascites?
Sodium restriction
Diuretics - furosemide and spironolactone
Large volume paracentesis
What diuretics are used in the managemetn of ascites?
Furosemide and spironolactone
What ABx are used in the treatment of SBP?
Cefuroxime
Metronidazole
What neutrophil count is diagnostic of SBP?
> 250 neutrophils
How is SBP diagnosed?
Paracentesis (Needle aspiration of the ascitic fluid)
Ascitic tap
What is the primary prophylaxis of varices?
Propranolol (Non-selective beta blocker)
What is the management of
ruptured oesophageal varices?
ABCDE assessment, IV/fluids and blood transfusion/resuscitation
Terlipressin and ABx
Endoscopic varcieal ligation immediately after resuscitation
What is the secondary prophylaxis of varices?
Non-selective beta blocker (to replace terlipressin after 2-5 days)
TIPS procedure when EVL and beta-blocker fails to prevent
Which drug is associated with drug-induced cholestasis?
Co-amoxiclav
Nitrofurantoin
OCP
What is the characteristic sign of pancreatic cancer?
Painless palpable gallbladder (Courvoisier’s law) and jaundice
What is the definitive management of biliary colic?
Analgesia+ elective lap chole
What is the initial management of acute cholecystitis?
Clear fluids only
Analgesics
Fluid resus
Broad IV Abx
What is the definitive management of acute cholecystitis?
Lap chole (within 1 week)
What are the two investigations indicated for the diagnosis of acute cholangitis?
USS liver and biliary tree ERCP
What is the definitive management for ascending cholangitis?
Analgesia + ERCP+lap chole
What is the major component of gallstones?
Cholesterol
What are the components of pigment stones?
Calcium bilirubinate
What are the risk factors for gallstones?
Fair Fat Fertile Female Forty OCC, Crohn's
Where do most pancreatic cancers arise from?
Head of the pancreas
What is a common cause of pancreatic cancers?
MEN1
What are the risk factors for pancreatic cancer?
Age>60 Smoking Obesity T2DM Chronic pancreatitis
What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
FLAWs Steatorrhoea Loss of endocrine function - diabetes Painless jaundice Trosseau sign (Migratory thrombophlebitis)
What is trousseau sign in pancreatic cancer?
Migratory thrombophelbitis
What is Courvoisier’s law?
In the presence of painless obstructive jaundice, a palpable gallbladder is unlikely to be due to gallstones
What tumour marker is associated with pancreatic cancer?
CA19-9
What is the diagnostic investigation for pancreatic cancer?
Biopsy via ERCP or EUS
What does a high-resolution CT scan reveal in pancreatic cancer?
Double duct sign
What is the first line radiological sign for pancreatic cancer?
Abdominal ultrasound
What is the definitive management for pancreatic cancer?
Whipple’s resection + adjuvant chemo- pancreaticoduodenectomy only is resectable
What does double duct sign suggest?
Pancreatic cancer
What is cholangiocarcinoma?
Cancer arising in the bile ducts either intrahepatic or extrahepatic
What does Sister-Mary Joseph Nodule represent?
Periumbilical lymphadenopathy
What does a Virchow’s node represent?
supraclavicular lymphadenopathy
what is the presentation of cholangiocarcinoma?
Jaundice (painless)
Palpable gallbladder
Pruritus
Pale stool, dark urine
Which tumour markers are raised in a cholangiocarcinoma?
CA19
CEA
What. is the gold standard investigation for cholangiocarcinoma?
ERCP with biopsy
What is the initial radiological investigation for cholangiocarcinoma?
Abdominal USS
What is the management of cholangiocarcinoma?
Removal of bile duct – small and localised tumour
Partial hepatectomy – intrahepatic
Whipple’s procedure – for distal bile duct tumours
Which biological therapy is indicated for hepatocellular carcinoma?
Sorafenib
What is the first-line investigation for pancreatic cancer?
CT abdomen
Which antibodies are associated with autoimmune hepatitis?
ANA
ASMA
Anti-LKM
Which autoantibodies are associated with Type 1 AIH?
Antinuclear antibodies
Which autoantibodies are associated with Type 2 AIH?
Antibodies to liver/kidney microsomes
What is the presentation of autoimmune hepatitis?
Fatigue/malaise Anorexia Abdominal discomfort Hepatomegaly Jaundice Amenrrhoea Epistaxis Stigmata of chronic liver disease
Pruritus, arthralgia, nausea, fever and spider angiomata
What LFTs are seen in AIH?
Raised AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and BR
Low Albumin
What does an FBC reveal in AIH?
Low Hb, platelets, and WCC (Hypersplenism)
Hypergammaglobulinemia
What is the diagnostic investigation for autoimmune hepatitis?
Liver biopsy
What does a liver biopsy reveal in autoimmune heaptitis?
Portal mononuclear and plasma cell infiltrate
What is the acute management for autoimmune hepatitis?
High-dose corticosteroids (prednisolone) followed by maintenance treatment with gradual reduction in dose
What is the maintenance management for autoimmune hepatitis?
Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (steroid-sparing agents) with frequent LFT and FBC monitoring.
What should be monitored prior to initiating azathioprine or 6-MP?
TPMT1 activity
What is the definitive treatment for severe autoimmune hepatitis?
Liver transplantation
What are the prodromal period symptoms for acute hepatitis A?
Fever
Malaise
Nausea and vomiting
What are the hepatitis symptoms associated with acute hepatitis A?
Jaundice - 2 weeks after infection
Hepatomegaly + RUQ pain
Clay coloured stools
Pruritus
Dark urine
What is elevated in fulminant hepatitis?
Raised serum creatinine
What is the LFT picture in acute hepatitis A?
Raised AST, ALT, ALP and BR
What HepA antibodies are positive during an acute illness?
IgM Anti-HAV
Elevated for a period of 3-5 months
What HepA antibodies indicate recovery phase?
Anti-HAV IgG
What is the management for acute HepA?
Supportive care - bed rest and symptomatic treatment
- Antipyretics
- Anti-emetics
- Cholestryamine for severe pruritus
How is HepB transmitted?
Sexual contact, blood, and vertical transmission (from mother to baby).
What are the prodrome symptoms for HepB?
- Malaise
- Headache
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- RUQ pain
- Serum-sickness type illness (e.g., fever, arthralgia, polyarthritis, urticaria, maculopapular rash).
What HepB antibodies are associated with HepB acute?
- HBsAg Positive
* IgM anti-HBcAg
What HBV antibodies are associated with chronic HepB?
- HBsAg positive
* IgG anti-HBcAg
What HBV Antibodies indicate a cleared HbV infection?
- Anti-HBsAg antibody positive
* IgG anti-HBcAg
What is the management for chronic HBV?
Entecavir
Tenofovir
Interferon Alpha
What is the transmission for HepC?
Transmission: Parenteral
• Sexual transmission
• Vertical transmission (Mother to child)
N.B: Transmission is through percutaneous exposure to infected blood – Injection of illicit drugs or transfusion of contaminated blood products.
What is the ratio of AST/ALT associated with alcoholic liver disease?
> 2
What electrolyte abnormality is associated with alcoholic hepatitis?
Hyponatremia
Define acute pancreatitis
Defined as the acute inflammatory process of the pancreas.
• Mild: Minimal organ dysfunction and uneventful recovery (80%)
• Severe: Organ failure and/or local complications Necrosis, abscesses, and pseudocysts (20%),
What are the common causes of pancreatitis?
- Idiopathic
- Gallstones
- Ethanol- Alcohol causes 80% of cases
- Trauma
- Steroids
- Mumps/HIV/Coxsackievirus (infection) and Malignancy (pancreatic)
- Autoimmune
- Scorpion Venom
- Hypercalcemia/hyperPTH/hyperlipidaemia/hypothermia (metabolic disorder)
- ERCP and emboli
- Drugs (Sodium valproate, steroids, thiazides, and azathioprine)
What is the pain presentation for pancreatitis?
Epigastric pain radiating to the back
Relieved by sitting forward or lying in the foetal position
Aggravated by movement
Associated with anorexia, nausea and vomiting
What are the signs of acute pancreatitis?
Epigastric tenderness Fever Shock (tachycardia, tachypnoea) Decreased bowel sounds (Ileus) Jaundice Tetany
What are the signs of severe haemorrhagic pancreatitis?
Cullen’s sign
Grey-turner sign
Fox’s sign
Chvosteks sign
What does Cullen’s sign represent?
Periumbillical bruising
What does Grey-turner sign represent?
Flank bruising
What is third spacing in acute pancreatitis?
Third-space fluid sequestration in pancreatitis is a result of release of inflammatory mediators, vasoactive mediators, and tissues Vascular injury and increased capillary permeability
- Extravasation of fluid into third space.
- ARDs, pleural effusions, and AKI due to hypovolaemia.
What is the first-line diagnostic investigation for acute pancreatitis?
Serum amylase (3x upper limit of normal)
-Does not correlate to disease severity
What are the other causes of elevated amylase?
Perforated duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis
Ectopic pregnancy
Mesenteric infarction
Which enzyme marker is a more accurate indicator for acute pancreatitis?
Raised serum lipase
What is the LFT picture for gallstone pancreatitis?
ALP> 150 u/L
Which blood markers are raised in acute pancreatitis?
CRP
WCC
Glucose - Reduced endocrine function
U&Es
Which electrolyte is low in acute pancreatitis?
Calcium
What does an ABG reveal in acute pancreatitis?
Hypoxia
Metabolic acidosis
What radiological investigations are indicated in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?
Abdominal ultrasound
- Identifies gallstones
- Evidence of biliary dilatation
What does an AXR reveal in acute pancreatitis?
Sentinel loop sign - dilated proximal bowel loops adjacent to pancreas (Secondary localised inflammation)
What scoring criteria is used to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis?
Modified Glasgow Imrie score combined with CRP >210 mg/L
What are the parameters associated with a modified Glasgow imrie score?
pO2 <8kPa Age >55 WCC >15 Calcium <2 Urea >16 LDH OR AST >600 >200 Albumin >32 Glucose >10
a score of >= 3 –> Severe disease
What is the acute management for acute pancreatitis?
- Fluid & electrolyte resuscitation (Balanced crystalloid)
- Urinary catheter and NG tube if vomiting (Enteral > parenteral – Reduced infective complications).
- Analgesia
- Blood sugar control
What type of feed is recommended in acute pancereatitis?
Enteral feed
What is the definitive management for gallstone pancreatitis?
ERCP and Sphincterotomy
Cholecystectomy early
What is the most common form of pancreatic cancer?
Ductal carcinoma (Exocrine portion of the pancreas)
Which antibiotics are the leading cause of Pseudomembranous colitis?
Clindamycin and cephalosporins
Which score is used to assess the risk of an upper GI rebleed after endoscopy?
Rockall score
Which HepB antibody suggests ongoing infection?
HbSAg