Gastrointestinal Flashcards

1
Q

Briefly, what is a peptic ulcer?

A

A break in the epithelial lining of the stomach/duodenum which penetrates the muscularis mucosa.

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

What are the two main causes of/risk factors for peptic ulcers?

A
  1. Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection

2. NSAIDs

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

Approximately what % of gastric and duodenal ulcers are caused by H.pylori infection? (2 individual %’s)

A

80% gastric

95% duodenal

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

How does H.pylori infection cause peptic ulcers?

A

It causes inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach, depleting the layer of alkaline mucus and altering gastric pH.

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

Approximately what % of gastric and duodenal ulcers are caused by NSAIDs?

A

20% gastric

5% duodenal

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

How do NSAIDs cause peptic ulcers?

A

They act by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the production of protective alkaline mucus and thereby increasing risk of ulceration, particularly in the stomach

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

What are the symptoms of a peptic ulcer/how does it present? (8)

A
  1. Upper/central abdominal pain described as burning or gnawing
  2. Difficulty breathing
  3. Dark stools
  4. Weight loss/anorexia - due to pain of eating
  5. Bloating
  6. Heart burn
  7. Nausea/vomiting
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What may be the signs on examination with a peptic ulcer? (4)

A
  1. Tachycardia
  2. Hypotensive
  3. Melena
  4. Dyspnoea
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the differential diagnoses with a peptic ulcer? (3)

A
  1. GORD
  2. Gastritis
  3. Hiatus hernia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How would a patient presenting with a suspected peptic ulcer be investigated?

A

Endoscopy

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

What treatments are available for the treatment of peptic ulcers?

A

PPI - to reduce gastric acid secretion

If caused by H.pylori infection, then treat with antibiotics; metronidazole or clarithromycin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is Crohn’s disease?

A

A chronic relapsing-remitting non-infections inflammatory disease of the GI tract.

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

Which parts of the GI tract does Crohn’s affect, and which areas are most common?

A

Crohn’s can affect any part, from mouth to anus, but the inflammation is not continuous, so there will be ‘skip lesions’ - parts where the GI tract is unaffected.
The most common site is the terminal ileum, but can also affect the colon, ileocolon and upper GI tract.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which layers of the GI tract are affected in Crohns?

A

All of them - it is a full thickness inflammation, compared to ulcerative colitis, which just affects the intestinal mucosa

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

What % of people with Crohn’s disease will have extra-intestinal manifestations?

A

35%

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

What are the extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn’s disease related to disease activity?

A
  1. Pauci-articular arthritis (pauci indicates that fewer than 5 joints are affected at time of onset)
  2. Erythema nodosum
  3. Aphthous mouth ulcers
  4. Episcleritis
  5. Metabolic bone disease
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is pauci-articular arthritis?

A

It is a classification of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in which fewer than 5 joints are affected, such as ankles, knees, wrists, hips, elbows and shoulders. It is usually asymmetric, acute and self-liiting (lasting for weeks) and joints tend not to be permanently damaged.

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

What is erythema nodosum?

A

Tender, red or violet subcutaneous nodules, normally 1-5cm in diameter. They are usually found on the anterior tibial area or extensor surfaces of the legs or arms

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

What is episcleritis?

A

Red eye with injected sclera and conjunctiva. It may be painless or painful with itching and burning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the three types of metabolic bone disease associated with Crohn’s?

A
  1. Osteopenia
  2. Osteoporosis
  3. Osteomalacia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn’s, not related to disease activity?

A
  1. Axial arthritis - this affects the sacroiliac joint and/or spine, causing buttock and back pain
  2. Polyarticular arthritis (usually symmetrical and persistent, damaging affected joints)
  3. Pyoderma gangrenosum
  4. Psoriasis
  5. Uveitis
  6. Hepatobilliary conditions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is pyoderma gangrenosum?

A

Single or multiple erythematous papules or pustules develop into deep ulcers containing sterile, commonly occur on the shins and often at the site of previous trauma

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

What are the symptoms associated with uveitis?

A

Uveitis is usually bilateral, with an insidious onset and chronic course. It presents as a painful red eye, with injected conjunctiva, blurred vision, photophobia and headache

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

What are the hepatobilliary conditions associated with Crohn’s disease? (6)

A
  1. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
  2. Pericholangitis
  3. Steatosis
  4. Autoimmune hepatitis
  5. Cirrhosis
  6. Gallstones
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are the risk factors associated with Crohn’s disease?

A
  1. Smoking
  2. Family history
  3. Infectious gastroenteritis
  4. Appendicectomy
  5. Drugs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are the complications of Crohn’s disease? (7)

A
  1. Psychosocial impact - can hugely affect activities of daily living
  2. Abscesses - in the intestinal wall and adjacent structures
  3. Intestinal strictures - intestine narrows/completely obstructs the passage of bowel contents
  4. Fistules - the bowel wall is perforated, allowing faecal matter into adjacent structures
  5. Anaemia - due to iron, B12 and/or folate deficiency
  6. Malnutrition
  7. Colorectal/small bowel cancer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

How might Crohn’s disease present? what are the associated symptoms?

A
  1. Otherwise unexplained persistent diarrhoea, including nocturnal diarrhoea
  2. Abdominal pain/discomfort
  3. Weight loss, faltering growth, delayed puberty
  4. Non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, anorexia and fever
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

In suspected Crohn’s disease, what may be seen on examination?

A
  1. Pallor
  2. Clubbing
  3. Mouth ulcers
  4. Abdominal tenderness or mass
  5. Perianal pain or tenderness
  6. Signs of malnutrition/malabsorption
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What does a direct inguinal hernia protrude through?

A

A direct inguinal hernia arises from protrusion of abdominal viscera through a weakness of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal medial to the inferior epigastric vessels, specifically though the Hesselbach’s triangle.

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

Where does indirect inguinal hernias arise from?

A

Indirect inguinal hernias arise through the deep ring and enter the inguinal canal. They arise lateral and superior to the course of the interior epigastric vessels, lateral to the Hesselbach triangle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

How do direct inguinal hernias occur?

A

They are generally acquired, and increase in incidence with age. They result from weakening of the transversalis fascia in the Hesselbach triangle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Who does direct inguinal hernias more commonly occur in?

A

The elderly with chronic conditions which increase intra-abdominal pressure over a long period, e.g. COPD, bladder outflow obstruction etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Are direct inguinal hernias normally uni- or bi- lateral? and why?

A

They are usually bilateral as they are caused by an increase in intra-abdominal pressure which will be transmitted to both side.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Are direct inguinal hernias susceptible to strangulation?

A

No, not compared to indirect, as they have wide neck.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

On a CT scan, what sign is indicative of direct inguinal hernias?

A

A lateral crescent sign (lateral crescent of fat)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

How many times more common are indirect inguinal hernias compared to direct inguinal hernias?

A

5 X more common

37
Q

How many times more frequent are indirect inguinal hernias in males compared to females and why?

A

7 X more frequent/likely due to the persistence of the processus vaginalis during testicular descent

38
Q

Do indirect inguinal hernias occur anterior or lateral to the hasselbach triangle?

A

Lateral to the hasselbach triangle

39
Q

What is the route of an indirect inguinal hernia?

A

They enter the inguinal canal at the deep ring, lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. It passes inferomedially to emerge via the superficial ring, and if large enough, extend into the scrotum

40
Q

In females, how does an indirect inguinal hernia tend to pass?

A

They tend to follow the round ligament into the labia majora

41
Q

What are the contents of an indirect inguinal hernia? (3)

A
  1. Mesenteric fat (most common)
  2. Small bowel loops
  3. Mobile colon segments (sigmoid, caecum and appendix)
42
Q

What are the 3 complications that can arise from indirect inguinal hernias?

A
  1. Incarceration (most common - incidence can be as high as 30% in infants <2 months)
  2. Strangulation with bowel ischaemia and perforation
  3. Intestinal obstruction
43
Q

What is a femoral hernia?

A

A femoral hernia is a type of groin herniation and compromises of a protrusion of a peritoneal sac through the femoral ring into the femoral canal, posterior and inferior to the inguinal ligament.

44
Q

What may the peritoneal sac contain?

A
  1. Preperitoneal fat
  2. Omentum
  3. Small bowel
    etc.
45
Q

Which side do femoral hernias tend to occur more often on?

A

Right side

46
Q

Are femoral hernias more common in males or females?

A

Females

47
Q

What is the course of a femoral hernia?

A

Femoral hernias protrude inferior to the course of the inferior epigastric vessels and medial to the common femoral vein. They often have a narrow funnel-shaped neck and may compress the femoral vein, causing engorgement of distal collateral veins.

48
Q

What is a De Garengeot hernia?

A

A femoral hernia containing an appendix

49
Q

What causes GORD?

A
  1. Defective lower-oesophageal sphincter
  2. Hiatus hernia
  3. Gastric outflow stenosis
50
Q

What are the risk factors for GORD?

A
  1. Smoking
  2. Alcohol
  3. Coffee and chocolate
  4. High fatty food consumption (delay gastric emptying)
  5. Drugs - CCB, benzodiazepines, nitrates
51
Q

How does GORD tend to present?

A

Can present with heartburn (dyspepsia), a burning heaviness, or ache in the upper abdomen which is often related to eating. Other symptoms can include nausea, belching and a full feeling in the upper abdomen.
The symptoms are often worse lying down and they can experience dysphagia (sensation of food being stuck).

52
Q

How is GORD investigated?

A

Endoscopic examination - 10% have oesophagitis and 30% have negative reflux disease

53
Q

Two treatments for GORD?

A
  1. Alginate/Antacid - Peptac and Gaviscon

2. PPI or H2-receptor antagonist

54
Q

How does peptic ulcer present?

A

Epigastric pain, often related to hunger, specific foods, or time of day +/- bloating, fullness after meals, heartburn, tender epigastrium.

55
Q

What are the ALARM Signs to look out for in suspected peptic ulcer?

A
A - anaemia (iron deficiency)
L - Loss of weight
A - anorexia 
R - recent onset symptoms 
M - melaena
S - Swallowing difficulty / dysphagia
56
Q

Why do NSAIDs cause ulcers?

A

Inhibit prostaglandin production, which therefore stops the production of a the protective alkaline mucus - thereby increasing the risk of ulceration

57
Q

How does H.pylori cause ulcers?

A

It causes inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach, depleting the layer of alkaline mucus and altering the gastric pH.
It also limits the action of somatostatin which regulates gastric acid secretion by parietal cells.

58
Q

How do peptic ulcers typically present?

A

Epigastric pain, burning or gnawing, difficulty breathing, dark stools, bloating, heartburn, anorexia, nausea and vomiting.

59
Q

Sign of peptic ulcer on examination?

A
  1. Tachycardia
  2. Hypotensive
  3. Melena
  4. Dyspnoea
60
Q

Peptic ulcer investigation?

A

Endoscopy

61
Q

Peptic ulcer treatment?

A

PPI

- treatment of H.pylori - metronidazole/clarithromycin

62
Q

Acute GI bleeds, are defined as?

A

Upper GI bleed is a haemorrhage occurring at any point between the mouth and the duodenum.
Lower GI bleed is a haemorrhage occurring at any point between the small intestine and the anus

63
Q

Most common causes of GI bleeds?

A
  1. Peptic ulcer disease

2. Increasing use of warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin and NSAIDs - all pose particular problems

64
Q

What should be prescribed alongside NSAIDs if they are to be taken on a long-term plan?

A

PPIs

65
Q

Upper GI bleeding causes are?

A
  1. Peptic ulcer disease
  2. H.pylori
  3. NSAIDs
  4. Gastritis
  5. Oesophageal varices
  6. Oesophagitis
  7. Cancer
  8. Inflammation of the GI lining from ingested materials
  9. Malaria Weiss tear - bleeding from laceration at junction between stomach and oesophagus, normally caused by severe vomiting due to alcoholism or bulimia
66
Q

Lower GI bleeding causes are?

A
  1. Diverticular disease
  2. GI cancer
  3. IBD
  4. Infectious diarrhoea
  5. Angiodysplasia
  6. Haemorrhoides
  7. Anal fissures
67
Q

How do GI bleeds present?

A
  1. Vomiting of blood with ground coffee appearance
  2. Tarry stools
  3. Patients may go into shock
  4. Symptoms of shock - hypotension, no urine output, tachycardia, LOC
68
Q

How do you investigate GI bleeds?

A

Endoscopy

69
Q

Treatment for GI bleeds?

A

Fluid resuscitation
Surgical repair
PPIs
Endoscopic adrenaline injection

70
Q

Why do gallstones occur?

A

Due to an imbalance in the chemical composition of bile which results precipitation of one of more of the constituents. Most common stone is cholesterol.

71
Q

What are the different gallstones?

A
  1. Cholesterol stone
  2. Pigmented stone - dark coloured - made up of bilirubin and calcium salts
  3. Mixed stone - mixture of above two
72
Q

Risk factors for gallstones?

A
  1. Obesity
  2. Increasing age
  3. Female
  4. Diabetes
  5. COCP/HRT
  6. Smoking
  7. Crohn’s disease
    (five F’s - fat, fertile, forty, female, fair)
73
Q

Cholangitis is associated with charcot’s triad, what is this?

A

URQ pain
Fever
Jaundice

74
Q

Which form of hepatitis is endemic in low income countries?

A

Hep A - 1/4 of all acute infectious hepatitis cases in England

75
Q

How is Hep A transmitted?

A
  1. Close contract or via faecal-oral - contaminated water and food
76
Q

Three phases to viral hepatitis?

A
  1. Prodromal phase - (2 days - 2 weeks) includes flu-like symptoms, GI symptoms (nausea, RUQ pain)
  2. Icteric phase (1 - 3 weeks) jaundice, pale stools and dark urine, pruritus, fatigue, anorexia, vomiting.
  3. Convalescent phase (up to 6 months) includes malaise, anorexia, muscle weakness and hepatic tenderness
77
Q

What are the investigations for suspected hepatitis?

A
  • Laboratory IgM antibodies (serology testing) to Hep A

- ALT, AST, bilirubin - LFTs

78
Q

Where is Hep B most common?

A

Hep B is most common in sub-saharan africa, most of Asia and the pacific islands.

79
Q

What % of acute infectious hepatitis is caused by Hep B in England?

A

34%

80
Q

How is Hep B most commonly spread?

A

By sexual contact or injecting drugs - transmission of blood

81
Q

What are the prodromal symptoms of HepB?

A

Fever, arthralgia, rash

82
Q

LFT results for hep B include?

A

Deranged LFTs - typically see ALT/AST reach levels of 1000-2000 IU/L (with ALT being high than AST) - commonly seen in chronic liver disease

83
Q

Which investigation can determine if Hep B is the cause?

A

Hep B surface antigen (HBsAg) or Hep B core antigen

84
Q

Hep C is most commonly caused by what?

A

Injecting drug use - 90%

85
Q

What is the treatment for Crohn’s disease? (4)

A
  1. Corticosteroids - prednisolone (induce remission)
  2. Immunosuppressants - thiopurines (1st line) or methotrexate - maintenance of remission
  3. Biologic therapy - anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody agents infliximab
  4. Aminosalicylates - mesalazine or sulfasalazine (when corticosteroids are contraindicated or not tolerated)
86
Q

What is the tool to measure severity of UC?

A

Truelove and Witts severity index

87
Q

What are the 6 categories/signs used in Truelove and Witts severity index?

A
  1. Bowel movements per day
  2. Blood in stools
  3. Pyrexia
  4. Tachycardia
  5. Anaemia
  6. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
88
Q

Treatment for UC?

A

Aminosalicylates and NSAIDs