GI Flashcards
Whata are the 2 main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD?)
Ulcerative colitis (UC)
Crohn’s disease (CD)
Where does UC affect?
ONLY the colon
Mucosa
Where does CD affect?
Any part of the GI tract- mouth to anus
Transmural
Define transmural
Affects all layers
Define ulcerative colitis
Chronic relapsing-remitting non-infectious inflammatory disease of the colon
What are the 4 types of UC?
Ulcerative proctitis
Proctosigmoiditis
Left sided colitis
Extensive colitis
Define ulcerative proctitis
Inflammation limited to rectum
Define proctosigmoiditis
Inflammation involving rectum and sigmoid colon
Define left sided colitis
Inflammation doesnt extend proximally above splenic flexure
Define extensive colitis
Inflammation extends proximally beyond splenic flexure, including pancolitis (entire colon)
Where does inflammation begin in UC?
Starts at rectum -> sigmoid -> proximal colon
What layers are affected by inflammation in UC?
Just the mucosa
What ethnic group are most prone to IBD?
Jewish people
What gene is associated with UC?
HLAB27
Who is commonly affected by UC?
Highest in Europe, UK, North America
Males=females
15-30
Some family history
No appendectomy
Does smoking increase the risk of UC?
No- smoking decreases risk!
What are 3 risk factors of UC?
Family history
NSAIDs
Chronic stress and depression
What are the signs and symptoms of UC?
Pain in lower left quadrant and when defecating
Diarrhoea with blood or mucus
Fever, tachycardia
Extraintestinal signs
Weight loss
What are the extraintestinal signs of IBD?
A PIE SAC
Ankylosing spondylitis
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Iritis
Erythema nodosum
Sclerosing cholangitis
Aphthous ulcers/ amyloidosis
Clubbing
What is pyoderma gangrenosum?
Ulcerated patches on skin (usually legs) which is very painful and has a purple edge
What is iritis?
Swelling and irritation of the iris
AKA anterior uveitis
What is erythema nodosum?
Swollen fat under skin causing red bumps on the skin
What is sclerosing cholangitis?
Disease of the bile ducts causing scarring
What are aphthous ulcers?
Canker sores- small shallow lesions in the soft tissue of the mouth or gums
How is UC diagnosed?
GS: colonoscopy with mucosal biopsy
Positive faecal calprotectin
Inflammatory markers: raised WCC, ESR and CRP
How is UC graded?
Truelove and Witt’s Criteria
What are the 3 levels of Truelove and Witt’s Criteria?
Mild: <4 stools per day
Moderate: 4-6 stools per day
Severe: <6 stools
What are 2 differential diagnoses of UC?
Crohn’s disease
Infective colitis
Pseudomembranous colitis
Microscopic colitis
How is UC treated?
Aminosalicylate/ 5-ASA
Moderate: 5-ASA and corticosteroid (Prednisolone)
Moderate-severe: fluid resus, IV steroid, anti-TNF
What are 3 5-ASAs?
*Mesalazine
Sulfasalazine
Olsalazine
How do 5-ASAs work?
Inhibit prostaglandins to reduce inflammation
What is an example of a glucocorticoid?
Prednisolone
What 3 drugs can be used to treat UC with severe systemic features?
Ciclosporin
Hydrocortisone
Infliximab
How is remission maintained in UC?
Azathioprine
How is UC cured?
Colectomy (rectum fused to ileum)
Partial colectomy
What is a severe complication of UC?
Toxic mega colon
What gene is associated with Crohn’s disease?
NOD-2
Define Crohn’s disease
Chronic inflammatory GI disease characterised by transmural granulomatous inflammation affecting any part of the GI tract
What are skip lesions?
Regions of unaffected bowel between areas of active disease
Do skip lesions occur in UC or Crohns?
Crohn’s
What region of the GI tract is most commonly affected by Crohn’s?
Terminal ileum and proximal colon
Who is most commonly affected by Crohn’s?
North Europe, UK, USA
Not Asian
Females
1/5 have close relatives with CD
20-40 presentation
Is UC or Crohn’s more common?
UC
What are 3 risk factors of Crohn’s?
Genetic association
Smoking
Stress and depression
Good hygiene
Appendectomy
What are the symptoms of Crohns?
Pain in right lower quadrant
Urgent diarrhoea and pain
Gallstones
Weight loss and anorexia
Extraintestinal signs
What are 3 complications of Crohn’s?
Perforation and bleeding
Fistula formation
Malabsorption
Small bowel obstruction
Colorectal cancer
What are 3 differential diagnoses for Crohns?
Chronic diarrhoea
Salmonella
Rotavirus
What is another disease associated with the HLA B27 gene?
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriatic arthritis
How is Crohns diagnosed?
Colonoscopy and biopsy
Exclude campylobacter ect
What are some features of UC on colonoscopy?
Inflammatory infiltrate
Goblet cell depletion
Crypt abscesses
Mucosal ulcers
What are some signs of Crohns on colonoscopy?
Skip lesions
Granulomas
Cobblestone appearance
Outline the pathophysiology of Crohns
Faulty epithelium -> pathogens enter -> inflammation -> granulomas -> skip lesions and cobblestone appearance
How is Crohn’s treated?
- Prednisolone (mild) or IV hydrocortisone (severe)
- +5-ASA
- Infliximab
- Surgery
Will surgery cure Crohns?
No
How is remission for Crohns maintained?
Azathioprine +/- methotrexate
What are 3 differences between Crohns and UC?
- UC affects only colon, CD is whole GI tract
- UC affects whole part, CD has skip lesions
- CD penetrates the whole linings of the GI tract, UC only mucosa
- Smoking can prevent UC, but cause CD
- CD has granulomas, UC doesnt
Define irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Functional bowel disorder with a group of abdominal symptoms for which no organic cause can be found
Who is affected by IBS?
1/5 in UK!
Females > males
20-30
What are 3 things that can exacerbate IBS?
Stress
Food
Gastroenteritis
Menstruation
What are 3 causes of IBS?
Stress and anxiety
Stress and trauma
GI infection
Sexual, psychical and verbal abuse
Eating disorders
What are the 3 types of IBS?
IBS-C: constipation
IBS-D: diarrhoea
IBS-M: mixed- constipation and diarrhoea
What are 2 differential diagnoses of IBS?
IBD
Coeliac
GI infection
Lactose intolerance
What are the clinical presentations of IBS?
ABC:
A- Abdominal pain or discomfort (Relieved by defecation)
B- bloating
C- changes in bowel habit
Altered stool form and frequency
How is IBS diagnosed?
Rule out differentials: faecal caprotectin, anti-tTG, inflammation
Rome IV criteria
What does faecal calprotectin indicate?
IBD
What is Rome IV criteria?
Recurrent abdominal pain for at least 1 day a week for 3 months
AND 2 of:
Relieved by defecation
Changes in bowel appearance
Changes in bowel frequency
How is IBS managed conservatively?
Low FODMAP diet
Education and reassurance
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
How is IBS treated medically?
- Diarrhoea= loperamide, constipation = laxative (eg. Senna) and antispasmodics
- TCA - eg. Amitriptyline
- SSRA
What are 2 antispasmodics?
Mebeverine
Buscopan
What is a low FODMAP diet?
Fermentable
Oligosaccharides
Disaccharides
Monosaccharides
And
Polyols
What are 3 differences between IBD and IBS?
- IBS normal on investigations
- IBS has no symptoms outside of GI tract
- IBS has no blood in stools
- IBS does not involve weight loss
Define coeliac disease
T cell mediated autoimmune disease of the small bowel where gluten causes inflammation
What part of gluten causes coeliac disease inflammation?
Prolamin which is an alcohol soluble protein
Outline the pathophysiology of coeliac
Prolamins bind to IgA and interact with ttg-> formation of IgA, IgA anti-ttg and EMA antibodies -> villous atrophy
What are 2 antibodies associated with coeliac?
Anti-TTG
Anti-EMA (more specific)
What part of the bowel is typically most affected by coeliac?
Jejunum
What 2 genes are associated with coeliac?
HLA-DQ2 (90%)
HLA-DQ8
What are 3 risk factors for coeliac disease?
Autoimmune disease eg. DMT1 and thyroid disease
Breastfeeding
Family history
IgA deficiency
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is involved in coeliac?
Type 4
What are the 3 effects of coeliac on the small intestine?
Villous atrophy
Crypt hyperplasia
Intraepithelial lymphocytes
What are the signs and symptoms of coeliac?
Dermatitis herpetiformis on elbows, knees and buttocks
Malabsorption (anaemia, weight loss, failure to thrive)
Angular stomatitis
Steatorrhoea
Osteomalacia
What is dermatitis herpetiformis?
Raised red patches cause by IgA deposition which can burst on scratching
What is angular stomatitis?
Inflammation on corners of mouth
What is steatorrhoea?
Fatty/smell stools
How is coeliac diagnosed?
- IgA levels: Raised anti-tTG
- Raised anti-EMA
Biopsy
Maintain gluten diet for 6< weeks before test
What is the gold standard diagnosis for coeliac?
Endoscopy and duodenal biopsy
Where is iron, folate and B12 absorbed?
Dude Is Just Feeling Ill Bro
Duodenum = Iron
Jejunum = folate
Ileum = B12
How is coeliac treated?
Lifelong gluten free diet :(
Replace mineral and vitamin deficiency
What are 2 complications of coeliac?
Osteoporosis
Anaemia
Non-responsive coeliac (not improved by no gluten)
T- cell lymphoma
Define tropical sprue
Severe malabsorption with diarrhoea and malnutrition after tropical travel
What is the onset of tropical sprue?
Can occur days or years after visit to tropics
What are the clinical presentations of tropical sprue?
Villous atrophy
Diarrhoea
Anorexia and weight loss
How is tropical sprue diagnosed?
Jejunal tissue biopsy shows incomplete villous atrophy
How is coeliac and tropical sprue differentiated on biopsy?
Tropical sprue= INCOMPLETE villous atrophy
Coeliac= COMPLETE villous atrophy
How is tropical sprue treated?
Drink treated water
Antibiotics: tetracycline for 6 months
Very good prognosis
Define gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach musocal lining
What are 3 causes of gastritis?
autoimmune
H. Pylori
NSAIDs
Alcohol
Stress
How does H.pylori cause gastritis?
Severe inflammation -> mucus degradation and increased permeability -> ammonia forms from urea -> toxic to mucosa -> less mucus produced
How do NSAIDs cause gastritis?
COX inhibitors inhibit prostaglandin-> inhibits mucous secretion -> gastritis
What are the clinical presentations of gastritis?
Epigastric pain with diarrhoea
N+V
Abdo bloating
Dyspepsia
What are 2 differential diagnoses of gastritis?
PUD
GORD
Gastric lymphoma
Gastric carcinoma
How is gastritis diagnosed?
Endoscopy and biopsy
H. Pylori urea breath test and stool antigen test
Why is CO2 high in a urea breath in H.pylori infection?
H.Pylori produces urease which converts urea to ammonia and CO2
How is gastritis treated?
Triple therapy: PPI and 2 Abx
PPI + amoxicillin (1g) + clarithomycin (500mg)
Stop NSAIDS and alcohol
What are 2 complications of gastritis?
Peptic ulcers
Bleeding and anaemia
Gastric cancer
MALT lymphoma
Define GORD
Reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus due to lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) relaxation
What are the causes of GORD?
Increased intraabdominal pressure (obese, pregnancy)
Hiatal hernia
Drugs
Scleroderma
What are the risk factors for GORD?
Obese or pregnancy
Smoking
NSAIDs, caffeine, alcohol
Male sex
What is the MC hiatus hernia?
Sliding: GOj and part of stomach slides into the chest
80%
Other = rolling- fundus collapses
What are the clinical presentations of GORD?
Dyspepsia/indigestion
Belching
Bile regurgitation/acid brash
Cough
Sinusitis
When are symptoms worsened in GORD?
Hot drinks and alcohol
Bending, stooping, lying down
What are the red flags in GI for urgent referral?
ALARMS
Anaemia (internal bleed)
Loss of weight
Anorexia
Recent onset
Melaena or haematemesis
Swallowing issues/dysphagia
What is the difference between haematemesis and haemoptysis?
Haematemesis is coughing up blood from GI
Haemoptysis is coughing up blood from respiratory system
What are 2 differential diagnoses of GORD?
CAD
Biliary colic
PUD
Malignancy
How is GORD diagnosed?
Usually made without investigation if no ALARM symptoms and go straight to treatment
If ALARM:
Endoscopy
FBC
Barium swallow
24h oesophageal pH
How is GORD treated conservatively?
Weight loss
Stop smoking
Small regular meas
Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, citrus, eating <3 hours before bed
How is GORD treated pharmacologically?
- PPI
- H2 receptor antagonist
OTC:
Antacids
Alginates
What is an example of an antacid?
Magnesium trisilicate
Form a gel or foam raft to reduce reflux
What is an example of an alginate?
Gaviscon
What are 2 PPIs?
Lansoprazole
Omeprazole
What is an example of a H2 receptor antagonist?
Cimetidine
Ranitidine
What surgery can be used to treat severe GORD?
Nissan fundoplication
Fundus can be wrapped around oesophagus to increase resting LOS pressure
What are 2 complications of GORD?
Oesophageal stricture
Barretts oesophagus
What is oesophageal stricture?
Inflammation of oesophagus due to acid exposure
Presents as gradually worsening dysphagia
How is oesophageal stricture treated?
Endoscopic dilation
Long term PPIs
Define Barrett’s oesophagus
Metaplasia of stratified squamous -> simple columnar epithelium
ALWAYS hiatus hernia
What is the complication of Barrett’s oesophagus?
Increased risk of oesophageal adrenocarcinoma
How is Barrett’s oesophagus diagnosed?
Upper GI endoscopy and biopsy
Shows metaplasia >1cm from GOJ
Define peptic ulcer
A break in the superficial epithelial cells down to the muscularis mucosa of the stomach or duodenum
What are the 2 types of peptic ulcers?
Duodenal ulcers
Gastric ulcers
What is the MC type of peptic ulcers?
Duodenal ulcers
What is the MC site of gastric ulcers?
Lesser curvature
What are 3 causes of gastric ulcers?
H. Pylori (70-80%)
NSAIDs
Zollinger Ellison syndrome
What is Zollinger Ellinson syndrome?
Gastrin secrete tumour
What are the symptoms of gastric ulcers?
Epigastric pain
Worse quickly after eating
Weight loss
How is PUD diagnosed?
No red flags: C-urea breath test and stool antigen test
Red flags: urgent endoscopy and biopsy
What are the causes of peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?
H. Pylori infection
NSAIDs
Increased acid secretion
Smoking
Delayed emptying
Blood group O
How does H.pylori cause PUD?
Secretes urease -> urea converted to ammonia -> toxic to mucosa -> decreased mucus -> inc inflammation -> inc acid production
What is the most common site of duodenal ulcers?
D1 and D2 posterior wall
What is the MC cause of PUD?
H.Pylori
What are the symptoms of duodenal ulcers?
Epigastric pain
eating can alleviate pain
Pain ~4 hours after eating
Weight gain
What may cause a false negative result for H.Pylori?
PPI not stopped for 2 weeks before test!
How is PUD treated if H.pylori positive?
PPI + 2 Abx
What is the major complication of PUD?
Erodes into an artery and causes a bleed
How is PUD treated if H.Pylori negative?
- PPI
- H2 antagonist
How is an active PUD bleed treated?
ABC
1. Endoscopy to diagnose and treat
2. If fails, interventional angiography or surgery
Consider PPI
What are 3 complications of PUD?
Haemmorages
Perforation
Duodenal on posterior wall = pancreatitis
Malignancy
What does pain worsening after eating indicate?
Gastric ulcer
What does pain improving shortly after eating indicate?
Duodenal ulcer
What artery may be perforated in a gastric ulcer?
Left gastic artery
What artery may be perforated in a duodenal ulcer?
Gastroduodenal
What is a Mallory-Weiss tear?
Linear mucosal tear at gastric part of GOJ occuring due to a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure
What is usually seen before a Mallory Weiss tear?
Bout of coughing or retching
Alcoholic “dry heaves”
What are 2 causes of Mallory Weiss tears?
Forceful vomiting (bulimia and alcohol)
Chronic coughing
Weightlifting
Hiatus hernia
Who is commonly affected by Mallory Weiss tears?
Males
20-50
What are 3 risk factors of Mallory Weiss tears?
Alcoholism
Forceful vomiting
Male
Eating disorder
NSAID abuse
What are the clinical presentations of a Mallory Weiss tear?
Vomiting
Haematemesis after vomiting
Retching
Postural hypotension
Dizziness
What are 2 differential diagnoses of Mallory Weiss tear?
Gastroenteritis
Peptic ulcers
Cancer
Oesophageal varices
How is Mallory Weiss tear diagnosed?
Endoscopy
How is Mallory Weiss tear treated?
Most bleeds are minor, heal in 24 hours
Very rare but surgery can be required to sew the tear up
What are gastrooesophageal varices?
Enlarged veins protruding into lumen which have a risk of rupture causing GI bleeding
What are the causes of gastrooesophageal varices?
HTN in portal system in liver
Prehepatic: thrombosis
Intrahepatic: cirrhosis, sarcoid
Postheparic: R heart failure
What are 3 risk factors for gastrooesophageal varices?
Cirrhosis
Portal HTN
Schistosomiasis infection
Alcoholism
What are the 2 MC sites of gastrooesophageal varices?
Lower oesophags
Gastric cardia
What are the clinical presentations of ruptured gastrooesophageal varices?
Haematemesis- A LOT!
Abdo pain
Shock
Pallor
Hypotension
How is a ruptured gastrooesophageal varices diagnosed?
Endoscopy