Haematemesis Flashcards
1
Q
Define haematemesis
A
Vomiting blood
2
Q
Causes of haematemesis
A
Oesophageal varices
Gastric ulceration
Mallory-Weiss Tear
Oesophagitis
3
Q
How do oesophageal varices lead to haematesis?
A
Dilations of the porto-systemic venous anatomoses
- swollen, thin walled veins
- prone to rupture
4
Q
Underlying causes of oesophageal varices?
A
Portal hypertension resulting from alcoholic liver disease
5
Q
How does gastric ulceration lead to haematesis?
A
Erosion into the blood vessels supplying the upper GI tract
6
Q
Presentation of gastric ulceration
A
Active ulcer disease
H. pylori positive
History of NSAID or steroid use
7
Q
How does a Mallory-Weiss tear lead to haematesis?
A
Forceful vomiting causes a tear in the epithelial lining of the oesophagus -> small bleed
8
Q
Causes of oesophagitis?
A
GORD Infection - Candida Albicans Medication - bisphosphonates Radiotherapy Ingestion of toxic substances Crohn's disease
