Gastrointestinal Pathology Flashcards
The GIT consists of ?
The mouth, esophagus, stomach, the Small intestine, colon, rectum and anus
Tracheo-esophageal fistula definition?
Congenital connection between the esophagus and trachea that’s often associated with esophageal atresia
How soon is TEF discovered ?
Soon after birth, usually due to regurgitation during feeding
Types of T.Esophageal Fistula?
Type A: isolated esophageal atresia (no fistula) - 8%
Type B: Esophageal atresia with proximal TEF - 1%
Type C: Proximal Esophageal Atresia with distal TEF - 86%
Type D: Proximal Esophageal atresia with proximal and distal TEFs (double fistula)
Type E; H-type (TEF with no atresia) - 4%
Atresia ?
Incomplete development of an organ
Complications of TEF ?
Aspiration
suffocaton
Aspiration pneumonitis
Severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Esophageal webs ?
Web like protrusions of the esophageal mucosa into the lumen which presents with dysphagia.
Esophageal web is associated with what syndrome ?
Plummer-Vinson syndrome in middle aged women xterized by Esophageal Webs, Iron deficiency Anaemia and increased risk of carcinoma
Web-like narrowings at the GEJ are called ?
Schatzki rings
Esophagus develops from which part of the foregut?
From the proximal part of the foregut
Nutcracker Esophagus is?
Functional obstruction of the esophagus as a result of high amplitude uncontrolled contractions of the circular and longitudinal smooth muscles of the esophagus
Esophageal dysmotility
Corkscrew esophagus ?
Diffuse esophageal spams, repititive simultaneous contractions of the distal esophageal smooth muscles. Contractions are of normal amplitude
Zenker diverticulum?
Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, spasm of the cryopharyngeus leading to increased pressure in the distal pharynx
Achalasia is defined as ?
Triad of Incomplete LES relaxation, increased LES tone, and aperistalsis of the esophagus
In South America, achalasia may be caused by?
Chaga’s disease
Trypanosoma Cruzi infection causes destruction of myenteric plexus, failure of peristalsis, and esophageal dilatation
Clinical presentation of achalasia ?
Dysphagia to both solid and liquid feeds
- Dilated esophagus proximal to the LES
Barium swallow and microscopic view of achalasia shows?
- Bird beak sign - Barium studies
- Loss of ganglionic cells in the myenteric plexus - microscopic
- Increased risk of esophageal cancer
Treatment of Achalasia ?
Lower esophageal sphincter balloon dilation
Laparoscopic myotomy
**Botulinum neurotoxin (Botox) injection to inhibit contraction
Mallory- weiss syndrome ?
- Longitudinal mucosal lacerations at the gastroesophageal junction
- Produced by severe prolonged vomiting secondary to acute alcohol toxicity and/or **chronic alcoholism*
- Presents with *hematemesis and can be complicated by esophageal rupture (Boerhaave syndrome) rare
Boerhaave syndrome?
Esophageal rupture as a result of sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure (severe straining or vomiting).
- Mediastinitis, severe chest pain, shock, tachypnea
Esophageal varices?
Dilated submucosal veins in the lower third of the esophagus, usually secondary to portal hypertension
LES dysfunction can be associated with what congenital syndrome?
- Down syndrome
- Triple A syndrome ( achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, alacrima )
Pathogenesis of esophageal varies?
1) Impared blood flow through the portal venous system and liver
2) increased portal venous pressure
3) Development of collateral channels
4) Collateral channels result in congestion and dilation of subepithelial and submucosal venous plexuses in the distal esophagus and proximal stomach
5) dilated vessels are called (varices)
Causes, complications and treatment of esophageal varices ?
1) Liver cirrhosis due to alcoholic liver disease
2) Hepatic schistosomiasis
- Asymptomatic presentation with massive hematemesis when it ruptures
- exsanguination (fatal hemorrhage) may occur
- Treated with band ligation, sclerotherapy, balloon tamponade
Reflux esophagitis (GERD)?
- Abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus causing chronic symptoms or mucosal damage.
The major cause of GERD
- Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation
- Abrupt increase in intra abdominal pressure (coughing, straining or bending)
- Alcohol, tobacco use, Obesity
- CNS depressants, pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Increased gastric emptying
Risk factors and symptoms of GERD
- Age > 40yrs
Dysphasia, heart burn, regurgitation of sour tasting gastric contents postprandially
Effects of reflux on the esophageal mucosa lining ?
- Inflammation
- Hyperplasia of the squamous epithelial lining of the esophagus
- Erosion/ulceration of the epithelium
Complications of GERD?
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Stricture due to fibrosis
- Perforation due to erosion
Feline esophagus is seen where ?
Appearance of stacked circular rings in the esophagus.
Seen in Eosinophilic esophagitis
Histological features of Eosinophilic esophagitis?
- Abundant intraepithelial eosinophils, superficially.
- Not associated with an increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus
Gross description of GERD?
- Edematous and inflamed (erythematous) esophageal mucosa
- Erosions