Last two sections of GI path (10.7 - 10.8) Flashcards
What disease is associated with an increased risk of Hirschsprung’s disease?
Down syndrome
What is Hirschsprung’s disease? What gene is mutated?
Denervation d/t loss of RET gene (which controls neural crest cell growth)
What is the nerve plexus between the inner circular layer, and outer longitudinal layer of the GI tract? What is the one in the submucosa? What is the function of each?
- Myenteric plexus–peristalsis
- Submucosal plexus–secretion, absorption
What are the s/sx of Hirschsprung’s disease? (at birth, DRE findings, histological findings, and general)
- Failure to pass meconium
- Empty rectal vault on DRE
- Obstruction (with risk for rupture)
- Lack of ganglion cells on histology
What type of biopsy is needed to diagnose Hirschsprung? Why?
Rectal suction– need to grab the submucosa into the biopsy
What is the treatment for Hirschsprung’s disease?
Resection of the GI tract to tie together two areas that both have ganglion cells
Is a colonic diverticula a true or false diverticula? What does this mean?
It’s a false diverticula–only mucosa and submucosal involvement, not all layers as seen in true diverticula
What is the cause of colonic diverticula?
constipation and low fiber diet lead to increased pressure in the intestines, and thus weakening walls
What are the points in the colon that are particularly susceptible to diverticula formation?
Where the vasa recta traverse the muscularis mucosa
What is the most common part of the colon that has diverticula?
Sigmoid colon
What are the complications of of diverticulosis?
- Diverticulitis
- Hematochezia
- Fistulas
What is the “classical” fistula that develops with colonic diverticula?
colovesical fistula
What is angiodysplasia? Where in the colon does this usually occur? Why?
- Acquired malformation of mucosal and submucosal capillary beds
- Usually arise in the cecum and right colon d/t high wall tension
What are the presenting symptoms of angiodysplasia?
Hematochezia in an older adult
What is the cause and inheritance pattern of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu)?
AD disorder, resulting in thin-walled blood vessels, especially in the nasopharynx and GI tract
What is the most common site of damage in ischemic colitis? Why? What is the usual cause?
- Splenic flexure (watershed area)
- Atherosclerosis of the SMA
Infarction of the bowel results in what s/sx?
Postprandial pain and bloody diarrhea
Why is there postprandial pain with ischemic colitis?
Increased energy demand of the intestines are not being met by increased blood flow
What irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Idiopathic relapsing abdominal pain with bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea / constipation
What are the s/sx of IBS? What classically improves the symptoms?
- Relapsing abdominal pain with diarrhea/constipation.
- Pain is improved with defecation
In whom is IBS usually seen?
Middle aged females
What improves that symptoms of IBS? (2)
- Defecation
- Increased dietary fiber
What are the pathological changes in IBS?
None seen
What are the two most common types of colonic polyps?
Hyperplastic and adenomatous
What are hyperplastic polyps? What are their histological characteristics?
Polyps that result from hyperplasia of the intestinal glands, characterized by ‘serrated’ appearance on microscopy
What is the potential for malignancy with hyperplastic polyps?
None–totally benign
Polyps with a “serrated” appearance on microscopy are of what type?
Hyperplastic polyps
What are adenomatous polyps? What is the malignancy potential for this?
-Neoplastic proliferation of glands that is benign, but has the potential to become malignant
What are the three steps of developing an adenocarcinoma polyp? (all genetic mutations)
- APC gene mutates
- KRAS gene mutates
- p53 damaged, with increased COX
What must happen to the APC gene for a polyp to develop? What chromosome is this gene on, and what does this do?
- Both alleles must be knocked out
- Chromosome 5
- Tumor suppressor gene