GI Pathology II: Esophagus Flashcards
What is the location of smooth and striated muscle in the esophagus?
Striated in the upper 2/3
Smooth in the lower 1/3
What are the most common cancers related to the esophagus?
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
What are the risk factors for esophageal SCC?
Alcohol and tobacco
What are the risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma?
Barrett’s esophagus, alcohol and obesity
What is a medical emergency that is associated with massive hematemesis followed by retching and vomiting?
Boerhaave Syndrome
What is the histological criteria for Barrett’s esophagus?
Goblet cells - evidence of intestinal metaplasia
What are the 2 most common viruses and the 1 most common fungus causing infectious esophagitis?
Viral - HSV and CMV
Fungal - Candida
Is there diffusion of nutrients in the esophagus?
NO
What are the epithelial cell type in the esophagus?
Nonkeratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium
What is the layer under the squamous epithelium in the esophagus?
Lamina propria
What are the epithelial cells of the stomach?
Columnar epithelium
A G2P1 36 year old female delivers a full term male neonate. Absence of stomach gas on 36 week prenatal ultrasound was noted along with other abnormalities. At first feeding, the patient begins drooling, chocking and vomiting and becomes cyanotic. When a nasogastric tube is attempted, it will not pass into the stomach. Unfortunately, the baby expires. The X‐ray and autopsy findings are as follows on next slide. What is likely the cause of death in this patient?
A. pneumonia secondary to repeated aspiration
B. cardiac abnormality
C. obstruction from “olive” shaped palpable mass in epigastric region
D. seizure
E. metabolic acidosis secondary to starvation

B. cardiac abnormality
Esophageal Atresia
Thin segment of the esophagus is a blind pouch and closed off separate from the second segment of it
Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Congenital or acquired connection between the trachea and esophagus
What are some symptoms of tracheoesophageal fistula?
- Aspiration
- Regurgitation shortly after birth
What diseases are associated with tracheoesophageal fistula?
- Congenital heart disease
- Neurologic and GU disease
- GI malformations
A 45 year old female with history of travel in South America presents with progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids over the past couple of years. She notes a history of illness caused by a “kissing bug” while traveling but can’t remember the name of the illness. Barium swallow was performed and the following was found. What increased health risk does this woman have moving forward?
A. Sepsis B. CREST syndrome C. Streptococcal pharyngitis D. Squamous cell carcinoma E. Intracranial hemorrhage
D. Squamous cell carcinoma
What is achalasia?
Esophageal dysmotility with the LES preventing the passage of food
What can achalasia be secondary to?
Chagas Disease, Polio, Diabetes, Cancer