GASTROENTEROLOGY (AB) Flashcards
Which esophageal sphincter controls entry into the esophagus?
Upper esophageal sphincter (UES)
What happens to UES pressure during deep sleep?
Decreases almost to zero
What happens to UES pressure during stress and straining?
Increases markedly
What are the two main functions of the UES?
Prevents air entry during respiration; Acts as a barrier to esophagogastric reflux
What is the primary function of the esophageal body?
Conducts peristaltic waves to propel food
What is the speed of esophageal peristalsis?
~3 cm/sec
What triggers primary peristalsis?
Swallowing
What triggers secondary peristalsis?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)
What is the normal resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)?
~20 mm Hg
What LES pressure is considered abnormal?
<10 mm Hg
What LES pressure maintains competence?
> 5 mm Hg
When does the LES relax?
Swallowing, belching, reflux events
What diagnostic test is best for structural anomalies like strictures and hiatal hernia?
Barium fluoroscopy
What esophageal abnormality is best evaluated with patient prone and barium via nasogastric tube?
H-type Tracheoesophageal Fistula
What does modified barium swallow assess?
Pharyngeal and esophageal phase coordination; detects aspiration and dysphagia
What diagnostic test directly visualizes mucosal abnormalities in the esophagus?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
What conditions can EGD help differentiate?
GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis, infections (viral or fungal)
What diagnostic test evaluates peristalsis efficiency and detects reflux episodes?
Radionuclide scintigraphy
What is a radionuclide salivagram used for?
Demonstrates aspiration of small amounts of saliva
What test uses synchronized pressure measurements to assess esophageal dysmotility?
Esophageal manometry
What does high-resolution manometry (HRM) provide?
Detailed analysis of UES relaxation and peristaltic pressures
What diagnostic test measures acidity, duration, and frequency of reflux episodes?
Extended pH monitoring
What syndrome is associated with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula?
VACTERL syndrome
What is the incidence of esophageal atresia and TEF?
1.7 per 10,000 live births