GI/Liver Flashcards
what is acute appendicitis?
an acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix
what age range is appendicitis most common in?
10-20 years
uncommon <4 years - usually present with perforation
what are 3 risk factors for appendicitis?
low dietary fibre
improved personal hygiene
smoking
what is the pathophysiology of appendicitis?
Lumen of appendix is obstructed => fills with mucus => increased pressure => bacteria multiply (bacteriodes fragilis and E.coli) => distension of lumen => inflammation, oedema, ischaemia, necrosis, perforation => nausea, vomiting, pain, reflex anorexia
what are 6 manifestations of appendicitis?
Acute abdomen pain localising to RLQ with guarding
anorexia
nausea + vomiting
tense rigid abdomen
low grade fever
Rovsing’s +ve
Rebound + percussion tenderness
where is McBurney’s point?
1/3rd of way from anterior superior iliac spine to umbilicus
what is the gold standard diagnosis for appendicitis?
CT abdomen
what are 2 investigations for appendicitis?
US abdo - also can check ovaries
Diagnostic laparoscopy
what are 5 key differentials for appendicitis?
ectopic pregnancy
Ovarian cyst/torsion
Meckle’s diverticulum
Mesenteric adenitis - usually in young children
Appendix mass
what are 3 complications of appendicitis?
Perforation
Peritonitis
Abscess formation
what are 5 complications of appendicectomy?
Bleeding, infection, pain, scars
Damage to bowel/bladder
Removal of normal appendix
anaesthetic risks
VTE
what is coeliac disease?
systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the small intestine triggered by dietary gluten peptides found in wheat, rye, barley, and related grains.
what are 4 histological features of coeliac disease?
villous atrophy
crypt hyperplasia
increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes
lamina propria lymphocyte infiltration
what is the trigger in coeliac disease?
prolamins found in gluten
what are 3 risk factors for coeliac disease?
FHx
IgA deficiency
autoimmune disease (T1DM)
what immune cell is coeliac gluten intolerance mediated by?
T cell
what are 4 presentations of coeliac disease?
Diarrhoea or steatorrhoea
abdominal bloating/discomfort
anaemia
indigestion
fatigue
Failure to thrive - children
What skin manifestation can be a sign of coeliac disease?
dermatitis herpetiformis - itchy blistering skin rash usually on abdomen
what are 3 neurological signs associated with celiac disease?
peripheral neuropathy
cerebellar ataxia
epilepsy
what are 6 conditions associated with coeliac?
T1DM
thyroid disease
autoimmune hepatitis
primary billiary cirrhosis
primary sclerosing cholangitis
downs syndrome
what are 2 serological investigations for coeliac disease?
1 - Tissue transglutaminase antibodies and total IgA - Anti-TTG
2 - endomysial antibodies - Anti-EMA
anti-casein antibodies
Must be on diet containing gluten for 6 weeks prior
what are 9 complications of untreated coeliac disease?
vitamin deficiency
anaemia
Hyposplenism
subfertility
osteoporosis
ulcerative jenunitits
enteropathy associated t-cell lymphoma
non-Hodgkin lymphoma
small bowl adenocarcinoma
are males of females more likely to be affected by Crohn’s and coeliac disease?
females
what are 5 risk factors for Crohn’s disease?
HLA-B27
FHx
smoking
Ashekanazi jewish
caucasian
what is the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease?
Transmural granulomatous inflammation of any part of GI tract => most common in terminal ileum and proximal colon.
skip lesions - cobblestone appearance
relapsing and remitting
what are 7 presentations of Crohn’s?
Chronic diarrhoea
weight loss
Abdo pain
blood in stool (less common than in UC)
perianal disease
mouth ulcers
Obstructive symptoms
what can be seen on barium fluoroscopy in Crohn’s?
Kantor’s string sign - suggests strictures
Rose thorn ulcers
what is classes as mild Crohn’s ?
1st presentation
1st exacerbation in 12 months
what is classed as moderate Crohn’s?
> 2 exacerbations in 12 months
Glucocorticoids cannot be tapered
what is severe Crohn’s?
unresponsive to conventional therapy
AND
>1 symptom
AND
usually loose stools >3x per day
what is the management for inducing remission in Crohn’s disease flare ups?
1st - Glucocorticoids (budenoside, prednisolone or IV hydrocortisone depending on severity)
1 - Elemental diet - in children when worries about steroid use
Immunosuppresion - azathioprine, mercaptopurine and methotrexate
Biologics - inflixibab
antibiotics for peri-anal disease
SURGERY
what medications are used in Crohn’s to maintain remission?
1 - Azathioprine or mecaptopurine
2 - Methotrexate
what is IgG4 related sclerosing cholangitis?
Similar presentation to Primary sclerosing cholangitis but with raised IgG4 levels
Responds well to steroids, associated with autoimmune pancreatitis
what are 6 indications for surgery in Crohn’s?
Poor response to drug treatment
Strictures
Abscesses and fistulae
Delayed growth
Malignancy
Obstruction/perforation
what are 5 surgeries that can be done for Crohn’s?
ileocaecal resection
partial R hemicolectomy
Colectomy with ileostomy/ileo-rectal anastomosis
panprotocolectomy and ileostomy
Stricturoplasty
what are 6 complications of Crohn’s disease?
Peri-anal abscess
Anal fissure/fistula
Strictures and obstruction
Perforation
Malignancy
Osteoporosis
what is 1 important complication of azathioprine and mercaptopurine?
Myelosupression - check FBC weekly for 1st month then every 3 months
what is diverticulitis?
inflammation of diverticula
diverticula = out pouching of the mucosa and submucosa through the muscular layer of the colonic wall
what is the main cause of diverticulitis?
low fibre diet
what are 5 risk factors for diverticulitis?
50+
low fibre diet
obesity
Smoking
Genetics, connective tissue disorders
what part of the colon is diverticulitis most common in?
sigmoid colon
what is the pathophysiology of diverticulitis?
Low fibre => increased intestinal transit time and straining on loo => increased intraintestinal pressure => diverticula herniations => foecal matter gets stuck => infection => inflammatory response => micro or macro perforations
what are 5 presentations of diverticulitis?
Severe L lower quadrant pain/guarding/tenderness
Nausea and Vom
Fever
Change in bowel habit
PR bleeding
Urinary symptoms - due to irritation of bladder by bowel
LLQ Mass - if abscess
Chronic - intermittent LIF pain, bloating, change in bowel habit
what is the gold standard investigation for diverticulitis?
CT Ado/Pelvis with contrast - thickened bowel wall
what is the management for uncomplicated diverticulitis in primary care?
1 - Co-Amox 500/125 mg TDS PO 5 days
1 - Pen allergy
- Cefalexin 500mg TDS 5 days PO + metronidazole400mg TDS PO 5 days
- TRUE ALLERGY - Trimethoprim 200mg BD PO + Metronidazole 400mg TDS 5 days
Analgesia - paracetamol
Only take clear liquids till symptoms improve
Follow up in 2 days
what is the management of complicated diverticulitis in hospital?
1 - IV Co-amox 1.2g TDS
Pen Allergy
- Cefuroxime 750mg QDS + Metronidazole 500mg TDS
- TRUE ALLERGY - Ciprofloxacin 400mg TDS + Metronidazole 500g TDS
R/V in 48 hours
Analgesia
NBM/Clear fluids only
IV fluids
Urgent surgery if complications
what are 5 complications of diverticulitis?
fistulae
abscesses
perforations
peritonitis
large haemorrhage
ileus/obstruction
what is the management of diverticular diseae?
Increase fibre in diet
Bulk forming laxatives - ispaghula husk - 1 sachet BD
what type of laxatives should be avoided in diverticular disease?
Stimulant laxatives
what system is used to classify severity of acute diverticulitis?
Hinchey classification
What is gastritis?
inflammation of the lining of the stomach associated with mucosal injury
what are 4 causes of gastritis?
NSAIDs
alcohol
H. Pylori infection
Autoimmune
what are 3 risk factors for gastritis?
H. Pylori infection
previous gastric surgery
autoimmune disease
what are 5 presentations of gastritis?
dyspepsia/epigastric discomfort
fever
severe emesis (vomiting)
nausea
haematemesis/melaena
what are 3 investigations for gastritis?
H. Pylori urea breath test/ faecal antigen test
endoscopy
anti-IF/parietal cell antibodies
what are 3 differentials for gastritis?
peptic ulcer disease
GORD
non-ulcer dyspepsia
what is the management for gastritis?
H. pylori eradication
PPIs
antacids
H2 antagonists
what are 3 complications of gastritis?
gastric carcinoma
gastric lymphoma
vitamin B12 deficiency
what are 6 risk factors for GORD?
FHx
age
hiatus hernias
obesity
Alcohol
Smoking
what are 5 medications which may exacerbate GORD?
Tricyclics
Anticholinergics
Nitrates
Calcium channel blockers
Aspirin
what is the pathophysioogy of GORD?
Lower oesophageal sphinctr abnormalities and transient relaxation allow acid, bile, pepsin and pancreatic enzymes to reflux into oesophagus
what are 6 presentations of GORD?
Heart burn - chest pain/retrosternal pain
Regurgitation + water brash
Dyspepsia - upper GI dyscomfort (indigestion)
Coughing/belching
Hoarse voice - worse in morning
Dysphagia
When should GORD be investigated with OGD?
> 55 years
symptoms >4 weeks
Dysphagia
Treatment resistance
Relapsing symptoms
weight loss
excessive vomiting
GI Bleeding/Anaemia
Raised platelets
what is the gold standard investigation for GORD?
24 hour oesophageal pH monitoring
what is the management for GORD?
Lifestyle changes
Review medications
OTC antacids/alginates
1 - PPIs - Omeprazole 20mg OD, Lansoprazole 30mg OD - for 4 weeks then review
2 - H2 receptor antagonist - Famotidine 20-40mg BD< Ranitidine 150mg BD
what is the gold standard surgery for severe refactory GORD?
Laproscopic fudoplication
what are 3 possible complications of PPI use?
Oesteoporosis
Hypomagnesaemia - causes muscle twitching, tremor, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite
C diff infection - due to decreased gastric acidity
what are 4 complications of GORD?
Barrett’s oesophagus
strictures
oesophageal ulcer
oesophagitis
what are 3 risk factors for IBS?
Female
stress
PTSD
what are the 3 different types of IBS?
IBS C - constipation
IBS D - Diarrhoea
IBS M - both
what are 3 key features of IBS?
IBS
Intestinal discomfort
Bowel habit abnormalities
Stool abnormalities
what are 7 presentations of IBS?
abdo discomfort / bloating
alteration of bowel habits
normal abdo exam
defecation urgency
worse after eating
improved by opening bowels
what is the diagnostic criteria for IBS?
6 months
At least one of
- Pain/discomfort relived by opening bowels
- Bowel habit abnormalities
- Stool abnormalities
2 of
- Straining, urgency or incomplete emptying
- Bloating
- Worse after eating
- passing mucus
what are 3 differentials for IBS?
IBD
coeliac
Ovarian cancer - in >50s
what lifestyle advice can be given for IBS?
drink enough fluids
regular small meals
adjust fiber intake
limit caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods
Low FODMAP diet
Probiotics
Reduce stress
Regular exercise
what are 3 1st line medications for IBS?
Loperamide - diarrhoea
Bulk forming laxatives (as lactulose can cause bloating)
Antispasmodics - mebeverine, alverine, hyoscine butylbromide, peppermint oil
what is a specialist drug that can be initiated for IBS-C?
Linaclotide
what is a mallory Weiss tear?
mucosal tear at oesophageal gastric junction due to a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure => coughing/dry heaving
causes haematesis, postural hypertension and dizziness
what are oesophageal varices?
abnormal, dilated veins in the lower 1/3rd of the oesophagus that occur at the lower end of the oesophagus; they account for 10-20% of upper GI bleeds. A complication of portal hypertension
what are 3 risk factors for oesophageal varices?
portal hypertension
cirrhosis
alcoholism
what are 6 presentations of oesophageal varices?
features of liver disease
haematemesis
melaena
cirrhosis/liver disease
abdo pain
blood loss/shock symptoms
Splenomegaly - portal hypertension
what are 3 investigations for oesophageal varices?
upper GI endoscopy - gold
FBC - anaemia
serum LFTs - deranged
U+Es - raised urea in upper GI bleed causes protein meal
what investigation can be done for a suspected perforated peptic ulcer?
Erect CXR - pneumoperitoneum
what risk assessment can be done for those with upper GI bleed?
Glasgow Blatchford score
what blatchford score means patients can be discharged without endoscopy?
ZERO
How quickly should those eligible for endoscopy after upper GI bleed get it?
within 24 hours
what is the score than identifies patients at risk of adverse outcomes FOLLOWING endoscopic treatment of an upper GI bleed?
Rockall score
what is the management for non-bleeding oesophageal varices?
beta blockers - propanalol
Endoscopic surveillance and variceal band ligation at 2 week intervals until eradicated
what is the management for bleeding oesophageal varices?
A-E assessment
IV Fluids
Blood products - PRBCs, Platelets (if <50), FFP
Terlipressin - causes splanchnic vasoconstriction
IV Abx - Quinolones - ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
Endoscopic variceal band ligation
what are 3 surgical procedures for upper GI bleed due to varices?
Endoscopic variceal band ligation - 1st line
Sengstaken-blakemore tube - uncontrolled haemorrhage
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt - if all else fails
what is one important complication of Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in bleeding varices?
exacerbates hepatic encephalopathy
what are 3 complications of oesophageal varices?
Rebleed
encephalopathy
infection - spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
why is urea raised in upper GI bleed?
Due to ‘protein meal’ of blood consumption
what 2 veins form the portal vein?
superior mesenteric and splenic veins
what is the normal pressure in the portal vein?
5-8 mmHg
what is a peptic ulcer?
A break in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum more than 5 mm in diameter, with depth to the submucosa
what are 10 risk factors for peptic ulcers?
H. Pylori - disrupts mucus barrier
NSAIDs - disrupts mucoid barrier
SSRIs
Corticosteroids
Bisphosphonates
Increase acid production:
Smoking
Alcohol
Caffeine
Stress
Spicy food
what genetic condition is a rare cause of gastric ulcers?
Zollinger-ellison syndrome - leads to excessive gastrin secretion from gastrinoma
why does H. Pylori infection increase peptic ulcer risk?
H.pylori releases bacterial cytotoxins which disrupt gastric mucosa
what are 4 conditions that H. Pylori is associated with?
Peptic ulcers
Gastric cancer
B cell lymphoma of MALT tissue
Atrophic gastritis
what is the management of H. pylori?
PPI (omeprazole 20-40mg BD 7 days)
+
Amoxicillin
+
Clarithromycin/Metronidazole
what 2 investigations are used for H. pylori?
Urea breath test
Stool antigen test
what is the management of H. Pylori in penicillin allergies?
PPI (omeprazole 20-40mg BD 7 days)
+
Metronidazole
+
Clarithromycin
what are 5 medications that increase risk of BLEEDING in peptic ulcers?
NSAIDs
Aspirin
Anticoagulant
Steroids
SSRIs
what are 5 presentations of peptic ulcer?
can be asymptomatic
Epigastric discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Dyspepsia
Bleed - Haematemesis, coffee ground vomit, melaena, fall in Hb
when does pain worsen in a gastric ulcer?
after eating
when does pain worsen in duodenal ulcers?
2-3 hours post eating
Pain is often relieved by eating and worse when hungry
what are 3 investigations for peptic ulcers?
upper GI endoscopy and biopsy - gold
h. pylori breath/stool antigen
FBC + U+e + LFTs
what are 3 complications of peptic ulcers?
gastroduodenal bleeding
perforation
Scaring and strictures - gastric outlet obstruction
what is the management of a bleeding peptic ulcer?
A-E
Access, bloods, transfusions
IV PPI - AFTER ENDOSCOPY!
Endoscopy
what are 3 endoscopic interventions for gastric ulcer bleeding?
Mechanical clipping + adrenalin
Thermal coagulation + adrenaline
Sclerotherapy + adrenalin
Surgery or interventional radiology embolization are saved for if these fail
what is the most common artery to bleed in peptic ulcers?
Gastroduodenal artery
is cronh’s or ulcerative colitis more common?
UC
what are 4 risk factors for ulcerative colitis?
FHx
HLA-B27 genes
Caucasian
Non-smoker
NSAIDs can cause flare ups
what are 9 features of ulcerative colitis?
Arises in rectum
Affects only colon up to ileo-caecal valve
Continuous inflammation (no skip lesions)
Mucosa reddened, inflamed and bleeds easily
Ulcers and psueudopolyps in severe disease
Submucosal and mucosal inflammation (NOT transmural)
Depleted goblet cells
No granulomata
Increased crypt abscesses with neutrophil infiltration
is crohns or UC most associated with blood in stool?
Ulcerative colitis
what are 5 presentations of ulcerative colitis?
Blood and mucus in stools
Diarrhoea
malnutrition and weight loss
Abdo pain
Urgency and tenesmus
Extra-intestinal manifestations
what are 8 extraintestinal manifestations of IBD?
Erythema nodosum (bruise looking splotches on shins)
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Osteoporosis
Axial arthritis
Polyarticular arthritis
Clubbing
Episcleritis (C>UC)
Uveitis (UC>C)
what is the most common extra-intestinal manifestation of IBD?
Pauci-articular arthritis
<5 large joints affected
asymmetrical, acute, self limiting
often associated with enthesitis, tenosynovitis or dactylitis
what autoimmune condition is associated with ulcerative colitis?
primary sclerosing cholangitis
what autoimmune disease is associated with crohn’s?
Autoimmune hepatitis
what is the gold standard investigation for UC?
colonoscopy and biopsy
red raw mucosa with shallow ULCERS
No inflammation beyond submucosa
Lamina propria inflammatory cell infiltrates (neutrophil)
Pseudo-polyps
Crypt abscesses
Goblet cell depletion
what are other investigations that can be done in ulcerative colitis?
Abdo x-ray - for toxic megacolon
Stool MCS
Nutritional status
CT abdo pelvis
Serum antibodies - pANCA for UC
Barium enema
what does UC look like on barium enema?
loss of haustrations
widespread superficial ulceration and pseudopolyps
LEAD PIPE COLON
what are the 4 different types of UC?
Proctitis - inflammation in rectum
Proctosigmoiditis - rectum and sigmoid colon
Left sided colitis - rectum to splenic flexure
Pancolitis - whole colon
what system can be used to assess severity of UC flare?
Truelove and Witts’ severity index
what system can be used to assess severity of UC flare in childre?
Paediatric ulcerative colitis activity index
what is a mild UC flare?
<4 bowel movements a day
No blood/small amounts in stool
HR <90
Apyrexial
Not anaemic
ESR <30
what is a moderate UC flare?
4-6 bowel movements a day
Some blood in stool
HR <90
Apyrexial
not anemic
ESR <30
what is a severe UC flare?
> 6 bowel movements a day
visible blood in stool
HR >90
pyrexial
anaemic
ESR >30
what medications are used to induce remission in mild-moderate UC?
1 - Rectal aminosalicylate
2 - ADD high dose oral aminosalicylate
2 - ADD oral/rectal corticosteroid
what medications are used to induce remission in severe UC?
HOSPITALISATION
1 - IV hydrocortisone
2 - ADD IV Ciclosporin if no improvement in 72 hours
2 - IV infliximab if ciclosporin contraindicated
3 - Panprotocolectomy and ileostomy or ileo-anal anastamosis (j-pouch)
what surgery can be done in severe UC?
panprotocolectomy and ileostomy/j pouch (ileo-anal anastomosis)
what medications can be used to maintain remission in mild-moderate UC?
Oral/rectal aminosalicylates
what medications can be used to maintain remission in severe UC?
Oral azathioprine
OR
Oral mercaptopurine
what are 2 examples of aminosalicylates?
Mesalazine
Sulfasalazine
what are 4 complications of ulcerative colitis?
Toxic megacolon (most common cause of death)
Bowel perforation
colonic adenocarcinoma
bowel obstruction
what is toxic megacolon?
Colonic distension >6cm in the presence of acute colitis
where is B12 absorbed?
distal ilium
where is folate (B9) absorbed?
proximal jejunum/duodenum
where is iron absorbed?
duodenum
where is intrinsic factor secreted from?
stomach - parietal cells
what is acute cholangitis?
an infection of the biliary tree, most commonly caused by obstruction with gall stones, may also be caused by ERCP
what are 5 causes of acute cholangitis?
Obstruction - gallstones, malignancy, strictures
ERCP
chronic pancreatitis
what are 4 risk factors for acute cholangitis?
50+
gall stones
post procedure injury - ERCP
Foreign travel - parasitic infection of liver flukes
what is the pathophysiology of acute cholangitis?
Obstruction of bile duct results in bacteria in biliary tree, sludge forms providing a growth medium for bacteria, bile duct pressure increases => pressure gradient promotes extravasation of bacteria into blood stream => sepsis
what are 5 symptoms of acute cholangitis?
RUQ pain/tenderness
Fever
Jaundice - pruritis, dark urine, pale stools
Confusion
nausea and vomiting
what is Charcot’s triad?
Fever
Jaundice
RUQ Pain
Seen in acute cholangitis
what is Reynolds pentad?
Jaundice
Fever
RUQ Pain
Septic shock
Mental confusion
For acute cholangitis
what are 3 investigations for acute cholangitis?
1 - US Gallbladder
ERCP - Gold - also for intervention
MRCP + CT Gallbladder
Bloods
what is the initial management of acute cholangitis?
NBM - for ERCP
IV fluids
Blood cultures
IV Antibiotics - per guidelines - broad spectrum - Taz or Gent + Metro in allergy - 4-7 days
Analgesia
what is the surgical management of acute cholangitis?
ERCP:
sphincterotomy
stone removal
balloon dilation
biliary stenting
biopsy - diagnose obstructing lesions
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram - radiologically inserted drain
cholecystectomy
choledochotomy
what are 5 complications of acute cholangitis?
sepsis
hepatic/biliary abscess
acute pancreatitis
AKI
Recurrence
Biliary necrosis
what are 3 bacteria that usually cause acute cholangitis?
E.Coli - gram negative bacili
klebsiella species
Enterococcus species
What s acute cholecystitis?
acute gallbladder inflammation typically due to obstruction with gallstones (cholelithiasis)
what are 5 risk factors for acute cholecystitis?
gallstones
Obesity + physical inactivity
Female
Pregnancy
low fibre intake
what are 4 causes of cholecystitis?
Gallstones
Ascending bacterial infection
Acalculous cholecystitis - critically ill patients, on TPN or long fast due to lack of gallbladder stimulation and emptying
Vascular insufficiency - ischaemia or infarction of gall bladder
what is the pathophysiology of cholecystitis?
There is obstruction to outflow leading to increased pressure in gall bladder
There is inflammation leading to neutrophil infiltration into gallbladder wall
Stagnant bile causes infection
where is obstructed in acute cholecystitis?
gallbladder neck or cystic duct
what are 5 presentations of acute cholecystitis?
RUQ pain and tenderness (possible R shoulder tip pain)
Fever and chills
Nausea and Vomiting
Anorexia
palpable gall bladder
what examination sign is positive in cholecystitis?
Murphy’s sign
what is the gold standard test for acute cholecystitis?
ultrasound gallbladder - thickened gallbladder wall, distended gallbladder, presence of stone or sludge, oedema around gallbladder
what is an investigation that can be done in acute cholecystitis 2nd line?
Cholescintigraphy HIDA scam - IV technetium labelled HIDA excreted in bile
what are 3 differentials for acute cholecystitis?
acute cholangitis
pancreatitis
peptic ulcer disease
what is the management for acute cholecystitis?
IV antibiotics - cefuroxime/Taz and metronidazole, Gent (
analgesia
IV fluids
1 - Lap cholecystectomy within 72 hours is optimum, within 1 week required
2 - cholecystostomy
what are 4 complications of acute cholecystitis?
gallbladder gangrene
gallbladder perforation
emphysematous cholecystitis
gallstone ileus
what is the management of gallbladder empyema?
Percutaneous cholecystostomy
Lap cholecystectomy
what is acute liver failure?
a rapid decline in hepatic function characterised by jaundice, coagulopathy (INR >1.5), hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome in patients with no evidence of prior liver disease
what are 4 causes of acute liver failure?
Drugs - Paracetamol overdose
viruses - Hep A/B/CMV
Alcohol
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
what are 6 risk factors for acute liver failure?
chronic alcohol abuse
poor nutritional status
female
pregnant
Chronic Hep B
Depression
what are 5 presentations of liver failure?
Jaundice
signs of hepatic encephalopathy
hepatomegaly
RUQ tenderness
bruising and GI bleeds (coagulopathy)
what is the treatment of acute liver failure?
ITU support
treat underlying cause
Liver transplant
what are 5 complications of acute liver failure?
Cerebral oedema
Haemorrhage - due to coagulopathy
Infection
Hepatorenal failure
Metabolic dysfunction
what are the 10 causes of acute pancreatitis? (mnemonic)
I GET SMASHED
Idiopathic/Infection
Gallstones (50-60%)
Ethanol (25-30%)
Trauma
Steroids
Mumps
Autoimmune
Scorpion venom
Hyperlipidaemia, Hypercalcaemia, Hypothermia
ECRP
Drugs
How does alcohol cause acute pancreatitis?
alcohol is directly toxic to pancreatic cells resulting in inflammation
what are 8 medications that can cause acute pancreatitis?
azathioprine
mesalazine
didanosine
bendroflumethiazide
furosemisde
pentamidine
steroids
sodium valporate
What are 3 risk factors for acute pancreatitis?
Older age
Obesity
T2DM
what is the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis?
There is obstruction of exocrine enzyme release
Pancreatic proenzymes are prematurely activated - trypsinogen/trypsin
Pancreatic enzymes are released into circulation
Inflammation and Autodigestion of blood vessels and fats
what are 3 acute local and 3 late local complications of acute pancreatitis?
Acute
- vascular damage and retroperitoneal haemorrhage
- reactive ascites
- portal venous thrombosis
Late
- Pancreatic necrosis
- Pancreatic pseudocyst
what are 4 systemic complications of acute pancreatitis?
Systemic inflammatory response, vasodilation and cardiovascular shock
Inflammation in lungs - interstitial oedema and ARDS
Reactive inflammation of pleura - pleural oedema
Systemic inflammation leading to DIC
what are 3 metabolic complications of acute pancreatitis?
Hyperglycaemia due to islet cell destruction
Acute hypocalcaemia due to free fatty acids sequestering calcium after lipase lysis
Malabsorption - due to loss of exocrine pancreatic tissue
what are 6 presentations of acute pancreatitis?
Severe epigastric pain radiating to back
Nausea + vom
Jaundice + steatorrhoea - due to gallstones cause
Systemically unwell - fever, tachy, hypovolaemic
Grey-tuner’s sign
Cullen’s sign
what are 3 investigations for acute pancreatitis?
serum lipase/amylase - >3x normal - gold
FBC, U+E, LFTs, CRP, ABG (glucose and paO2)
Calcium
USS to assess for gallstones
CT abdo with contrast for complications
what score is used to assess severity of acute pancreatitis?
Glasgow score
what does the scoring of the Glasgow score mean?
0-1 - mild pancreatitis
2 - moderate
3+ severe
What are the criteria for the Glasgow score?
PANCREAS
PaO2 <8KPa
Age >55
Neutrophils (WBC >15)
Calcium <2
R - uRea >16
Enzymes - LDH >600 or AST/ALT >200
Albumin <32
Sugar - glucose >10
What are 6 conditions other than pancreatitis that can cause a raised amylase?
Upper GI perforation
Mesnteric/bowel ischaemia
Renal failure
retroperitoneal haematoma
Intra-abdo ectopic
Inflammation/obstruction of salivary glands
what is the management of acute pancreatitis?
ABCDE + Supportive
IV Fluids
Catheterisation
Opiate Analgesia
Antiemetics
Tx of gallstones - ERCP, Cholecystectomy
Abx- if evidence of infection
What are the 3 stages of alcoholic liver disease?
1 - fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) - reversible
2 - alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation and necrosis)
3 - Cirrhosis
what are 5 risk factors for alcoholic liver disease?
prolonged alcoholism
Obesity
Smoking
Other liver disease
Poor nutritional status
how is alcohol metabolised?
in liver by alcohol dehydrogenase and cytochrome P-450 2E1 => chronic alcohol use causes cytochrome P-450 to produce more free radicals and alcohol dehydrogenase when converted to NADH inhibits gluconeogenesis and increases fatty acid oxidation
what 4 things can alcohol in early pregnancy lead to?
Miscarriage
Small for dates
preterm delivery
foetal alcohol syndrome
what are 9 signs o/e of alcoholic liver disease?
Hands - palmar erythema, dupuytren’s contracture
Jaundice
Ascites
Spider navi - telangiectasia
Confusion and asterixis - hepatic encephalopathy
hepatosplenomegaly
Caput medusae
Feminisation - gynaecomastia, hypogonadism
Hepatic mass
Haematemesis
what is the 1st line screening tool for alcohol misuse?
AUDIT - alcohol use disorders identification test
10 questions, >8 indicated harmful use
what is the AST:ALT ratio usually suggest alcoholic liver disease?
> 1.5-2
what non-transaminase liver enzyme is usually raised in alcoholic liver disease?
Gamma GT (GGT)
Bilirubin raised in cirrhosis
what 2 blood tests suggest reduced synthetic function of liver?
Low albumin
Raised Prothrombin time (PT)
why can U+Es be deranged in liver cirrhosis?
hepatorenal syndrome
what are 4 investigations for liver fibrosis/cirrhosis?
Liver US
Transient elastography (fibro scan)
CT/MRI
Liver biopsy
what is the gold standard investigation for chronic liver disease (alcohol/nonA)?
liver biopsy
what is the management of alcoholic liver disease?
Alcohol abstinence
Nutritional support - B1 and high protein
Glucocorticoids - predisolone - reduce inflammation
Tx complications
Liver transplant - after 6 months of abstinence
what are 5 complications of alcoholic liver disease?
hepatocellular carcinoma
peptic ulcers
Oesophageal varices +/- haemorrhage
Wernicke-korsakoff syndrome
Hepato-renal syndrome
what is ascites?
a pathological collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
what is the most common cause of ascites?
cirrhosis - 75%
portal HTN causes fluid to leak out of capillaries and into peritoneal cavity => lower circulating volume => kidneys activate RAAS system => increased reabsorption of fluid and sodium
what are 4 manifestations of ascites?
Abdominal distension
fluid on exam with shifting dullness
shortness of breath
fatigue
what protein level in ascites indicates liver cirrhosis, heart failure or other causes of portal hypertension?
> 11 g/L
what protein level in ascites indicates Hypalbuminaemia, malignancy and infections?
<11 g/L
what are 2 causes of hypoalbuminaemia?
Nephrotic syndrome
severe malnutrition - kwashiorkor
what is the management for ascites?
treat underlying cause
limit sodium
Aldosterone antagonists - spironolactone
Loop diuretics - furosemide
Fluid restriction
Paracentesis
Prophylactic Abx
Trans jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Liver transplant
when and what prophylactic Abx are given in ascites?
when <15 g/L protein in ascetic fluid or Child-pugh score >9 or hepatorenal syndrome
Ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin
what are the stages of ascites?
1 – detectable only after careful exam
2 – easily detectable but small volume
3 – obvious but not tense
4 – tense
What is cholelithiasis?
gallstones
what are gallstones usually made out of in the developed world?
cholesterol - 90%
what are 5% of gallstones made out of?
polymerised calcium billirubinate - black pigment stones
what are the risk factors for cholelithiasis?
4Fs
Female
Fat
Forties
Fair (white)
Also- DM, Rapid weight loss, COCP
what is the pathophysiology of cholelithiasis?
Bile is super saturated by cholesterol from liver Precipitates crystals which aggregate into stones
Stones migrate into ducts causing biliary colic
what hormone is triggers gallbladder contraction?
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
Released post prandially
what are 4 presentations of cholelithiasis?
Sudden onset RUQ pain - biliary colic - may radiate to R shoulder or scapula
Typically occurs after fatty meal
30 mins to 8 hours
Complications - cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice
May have nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, bloating
what are 3 investigations for cholelithiasis?
1 + GOLD - US gallbladder
LFTs - Raised Alk phos is biliary obstruction
MRCP
ERCP - mainly to clear stones from bile ducts
what is the management of gall stones?
Observation and life style management + analgesia
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
ECRP
what are 5 complications of cholelithiasis?
cholecystitis
cholangitis
pancreatitis
gall stone ileus
post-cholecystectomy syndrome
What is post-cholecystectomy syndrome?
Due to changes in bile flow after cholecystectomy
Diarrhoea, indigestion, epigastric and RUQ pain, nausea, intolerance of fatty foods, flatulence
what is gallstone ileus?
Gall stone eroded though gallbladder into duodenum and causes constipation
What is chronic pancreatitis?
Debilitating continuing inflammatory process of the pancreas resulting in progressive loss of pancreatic tissue which is replaced by fibrosis leading to exocrine and endocrine dysfunction
what are 3 causes of chronic pancreatitis?
Alcohol - most common
Autoimmune - raised IgG4
Cystic Fibrosis
what are 4 risk factors for chronic pancreatitis?
Alcohol
Smoking
FHx and genetics (CF)
Ductal obstruction - gallstones, tumours, structural abnormalities
what are 4 manifestations of chronic pancreatitis?
Epigastric pain radiating to back - usually worse following a meal
Steatorrhea and diarrhoea
Weight loss and fatigue
Diabetes Mellitus
what investigations are used for chronic pancreatitis?
1 - US pancreas
CT abdo
MRI Abdo
faecal elastase
serum lipse/amylase, LFTs, HbA1c, triglycerides, FBC
what are 3 differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis?
pancreatic cancer
acute pancreatitis
biliary colic
what is the management of chronic pancreatitis?
Diet and lifestyle modification
Analgesia - NSAIDs and paracetamol
Pancreatic enzyme replacement - Creon
SC insulin if needed
ERCP with stenting
pancreatectomy
what are 3 complications of chronic pancreatitis?
malabsorption
pancreatic pseudocystitis
pancreatic cancer
what is recurrent acute pancreatitis?
dentifiable cause of chronic pancreatitis that doesn’t lead to chronic
what are the 3 most common causes of liver cirrhosis?
alcohol related liver disease
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
chronic viral hepatitis (B+C)
what are 7 rare causes of liver cirrhosis?
Autoimmune hepatitis
primary biliary cirrhosis
haemochromatosis
Wilsons disease
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Cystic fibrosis
Drugs - amiodarone, methotrexate, sodium valproate
what are 3 risk factors for cirrhosis?
alcohol missuse
IVDU
unprotected sex
what is the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis?
Hepatic fibrosis due to activation of hepatic stellate cells and kupfer cells leading to accumulation of type I+III collagen in hepatic parenchyma and space of disse => sinusoids lose characteristic fenestration => altered exchange between plasma and hepatocytes
what are 14 presentations of liver cirrhosis o/e?
Cachexia
Jaundice
Hepatomegaly
Small nodular liver
splenomegaly (due to portal HTN)
Spider naevi
Palmar erythema
Gynaecomastia and testicular atrophy
Bruising
excoriations
ascites
caput medusae
leukonychia - white fingernails
asterixis - decompensated
what is included in a non-invasive liver screen?
Us liver
Hep B+C serology
Autoantibodies - ANA, SMA, AMA, LKM-1
Immunoglobulins
Ceruloplasmin - Wilsons
Alpha-1 antitrypsin levels
Ferritin and transferrin saturations (haemochromatosis)
what electrolyte abnormality can be seen in liver cirrhosis and why?.
Hyponatraemia - due to increases fluid retention in severe disease
what is the 1st line investigation for cirrhosis?
Transient elastography - fibro scan
what is the gold standard investigation for cirrhosis?
liver biopsy
who should be offered a fibro scan?
people with hep C
Men who drink >50 units per week
Women who drink >35 units per week
People dx with alcohol related liver disease
How often should people with liver cirrhosis get an US liver?
every 6 months
check for hepatocellular carcinoma
How does fatty liver appear on USS?
Increased echogenicity
what are 5 manifestations of liver cirrhosis on US?
Nodularity of liver surface
corkscrew appearance of hepatic arteries
enlarged poral vein with reduced flow
Ascites
splenomegaly
what score can be used to estimate 3 month mortality in end stage liver disease?
MELD score - assess every 6 months
Bilirubin, creatinine, INR, sodium, dialysis
what score assesses severity of liver cirrhosis and prognosis?.
Child-pugh score
ABCDE
Albumin
Bilirubin
Clotting - INR
Dilation (ascites)
Encephalopathy
what are 3 differentials for liver cirrhosis?
Budd-chiari syndrome
portal vein thrombosis
splenic vein thrombosis