Lower GI disease Flashcards
What is appendicitis?
Acute bacterial infection of the appendix precipitated by the obstruction of the lumen.
What is pseudomembranous colitis?
Acute inflammation of the colon, with the formation of plaque like fibrinous exudate covering parts of the large intestinal mucosa.
What causes pseudomembranous colitis?
A toxin produced by overgrowth of C.difficile which replaces the normal intestinal flora.
Pseudomembranous colitis typically develops in patients…
Treated with broad spectrum antibiotics.
Pseudomembranous colitis symptoms?
Fever and lower abdominal tenderness.
Pseudomembranous colitis treatment?
Stopping antibiotics, hydration and antibacterial therapy.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Chronic inflammatory conditions of unknown aetiology affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
What are the 2 main forms of idiopathic IBD?
Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis.
Pathology of Crohn’s disease?
Mucosal ulceration, typically fissuring.
Oedema of adjacent epithelium.
Pseudopolyp formation.
Crohn’s disease complications?
Anaemia, Fistulas, Increased risk of bowel cancer.
Pathology of Ulcerative Colitis?
Disease of the colon which starts in rectum and spreads proximally.
Complications of ulcerative colitis?
Anaemia, electrolyte loss through diarrhoea, increased risk of cancer and need for surveillance for dysplasia.
Who is screened in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme?
All the population from 60-75 years old.
What is the test in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme?
A faecal occult blood test (FOBT)
What is a adenoma?
A benign tumour of the glandular epithelium.
