Gastroenterology Flashcards
Ascites
Fluid build-up in abdomen between peritoneum layers. Portal hypertension is the primary cause, forcing fluid to leak out of veins.
Achalasia
Muscles of the oesophagus do not contract correctly or fail to open meaning food cannot pass to the stomach.
Tx - nifedipine, balloon dilation, Heller’s Myotomy
Achalasia increases risk of oesophageal cancer
Budd-Chiari Syndrome
Rare syndrome where occlusion of hepatic veins causes enlargement of the liver
Sx - hepatomegaly, ascites, pain
Boerhaave Syndrome
Oesophageal rupture due to high intraluminal pressure from vomiting
Cholestasis
Physical obstruction of bile flow.
Sx - jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itching
Cholecystitis
Usually caused by gallstone blocking cystic duct causing inflammation of the gallbladder.
Sx - pain, sweating, fever, jaundice
Cholangitis
Inflammation of the bile duct system usually caused by infection secondary to obstruction
Tx - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
rare, autosomal recessive condition where conjugated bilirubin is chronically raised. It is benign
Hirchsprungs disease
aganglionic segment of bowel due to parasympathetic developmental failure. Causes functional bowel obstructions and diagnosis is often confirmed with a rectal biopsy.
Pancreas Divisum
failure of ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts to fuse congenitally. Can potentially causes pancreatitis is insufficient drainage occurs, and may need surgery
Rotor Syndrome
Benign, autosomal recessive bilirubin disorder causing chronically raised conjugated and unconjugated billirubin related to haemolysis
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Rare digestive condition where too much gastric acid is produced, due to tumours called gastrinomas in the pancreas which secrete gastrin. Excess acid caused gastric ulcers. Tumours can also be malignant and spread.
