Medicine - Gastroenterology Flashcards
How do you differentiate between gastric and duodenal ulcers?
After a meal
Gastric = Greater pain
Duodenal = Decrease pain (pain when hungry)
What is associated with the majority of peptic ulcers?
H. pylori
95% of duodenal ulcers
75% of gastric ulcers
Name 4 drugs associated with peptic ulcers
NSAIDs
SSRIs
corticosteroids
bisphosphonates
Which syndrome is associated with peptic ulcers? What is the pathophysiology?
Zollinger Ellison Syndrome
rare cause characterised by excessive levels of gastrin, usually from a gastrin secreting tumour
Which type of peptic ulcer is more common?
Duodenal
What is the first line investigation for peptic ulcer disease?
H. pylori urea breath test or stool antigen test
Mx of peptic ulcer disease
-ve H. pylori: PPIs
+ve H. pylori: eradication therapy- PPI + Amoxicillin BD + Clarithromycin/ Metronidazole BD
What is the only test that can be used to check for H. pylori eradication?
Urea breath test
What is the investigation for C. dificile infection?
C. difficile toxin (CDT) in stool
C. difficile antigen positivity only shows exposure to the bacteria, rather than current infection
Mx of first episode C. difficile infection
1st: Vancomycin PO for 10 days
2nd-line: Fidaxomicin PO
3rd-line: Vancomycin PO +/- Metronidazole IV
Mx of recurrent C. difficile infection
<12w of Sx resolution: Fidaxomicin PO
>12w of Sx resolution: Vancomycin OR Fidaxomicin PO
Mx of life-threatening C. difficile infection
Vancomycin PO + Metronidazole IV
specialist advice - surgery may be considered
Describe the distribution of UC
Starts at Rectum (hence most common site for UC)
Continuous.
Never spreads beyond ileocaecal valve
Differentiate mild, moderate and severe flares of ulcerative colitis
Mild: <4 stools per day, little blood
Moderate: 4-6 stools per day, varying blood
Severe: >6 stools per day, bloody diarrhoea, systemic upset
What is the name of the criteria used to stage IBD, and what are the 6 criteria?
Truelove + Witts: HR Temperature Bowel movements PR bleeding Haemoglobin ESR
Give 4 gastro symptoms UC presents with
bloody diarrhoea
urgency
tenesmus
abdo pain, esp. left lower quadrant
Which 6 extra-intestinal manifestations of UC are related to disease activity?
Erythema nodosum
Pauci-articular Arthritis
Apthous ulcers
Episcleritis
Osteoporosis
VTE risk
Which 4 extra-intestinal manifestations of UC are NOT related to disease activity?
Axial arthritis: sacroiliitis/ ankylosing spondylitis
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Uveitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Give 3 triggers for a UC flare
Stress
Drugs: NSAIDs, Abx
Cessation of smoking
What is seen on barium enema in UC? (3)
loss of haustrations
superficial ulceration, ‘pseudopolyps’
long standing disease: colon is narrow + short -‘drainpipe colon’
Recall 2 histological findings of the gut layer for Crohn’s and UC
Crohn’s: Increased goblet cells, granulomas
UC: Decreased goblet cells, crypt abscesses
When should a diagnostic colonoscopy for UC be avoided? What investigation is preferred?
In severe colitis- risk of perforation
Do flexible sigmoidoscopy
What is the most common affected portion of the bowel in Crohn’s vs UC?
Crohn’s: terminal ileum (so RIF mass)
UC: rectum
Describe the typical features of inflammation in Crohn’s vs UC
Crohn’s: Skip lesions, rose-thorn ulcers, cobblestoning, string sign of kantor (narrow ileum stricture)
UC: ‘lead-pipe’, pseudo-polyps, thumbprinting
Which type of IBD carries the highest risk of colorectal cancer?
UC
In which form of IBD are fissures more common and why?
Crohn’s - because it affects the full thickness of the bowel wall
Differentiate the appearance of stool in active Crohn’s vs UC
Crohn’s: non-bloody diarrhoea
UC: bloody diarrhoea which may contain mucous
Which type of IBD is associated with gallstones and why?
Crohn’s
Bile acids are not properly absorbed as terminal ileum is affected
In which form of IBD can surgery be curative?
UC
Recall the possible extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD
A PIE SAC Aphthous ulcers Pyoderma gangrenosum (skin ulcers) I (eye) = uveitis, iritis, episcleritis Erythema nodosum Sclerosing cholangitis (UC Only) Arthritis Clubbing (Crohn's moreso)
Describe the process of inducing remission in Crohn’s
Steroids:
If mild: oral prednisolone
If severe: IV hydrocortisone
If no improvement after 5 days –> infliximab
Oral budesonide can be used in disease between the distal ileum and the ascending colon
Nutritional:
Replace diet with whole protein modular diet - excessively liquid, for 6-8 weeks - this helps to replace lost weight
Describe the process of maintaining remission in Crohn’s
First line: DMARDs (eg azothioprine)
Alternatives: infliximab/ aminosalicylates
Mx of acute severe UC
Admit
1st: IV Hydrocortisone or Methylprednisolone
2nd: anti-TNF (ciclosporin/ infliximab)
If severe intractable colitis: Colectomy
Induction of remission of moderate-severe UC
Prednisolone/ Budesonide PO
or
Infliximab/ Adalimumab
+/- Azathioprine
Induction of remission of mild-moderate UC
Proctitis: Mesalazine TOP (rectal)
Left sided: Mesalazine TOP + PO +/- Budesonide PO
Extensive: Mesalazine PO +/- Prednisolone/ Budesonide PO
Maintenance of remission in mild-moderate UC
Mesalazine TOP alone (daily or intermittent)
or
Mesalazine PO + TOP (daily or intermittent)
Maintenance of remission in mild left sided and extensive UC
Mesalazine PO
Maintenance of remission in moderate to severe UC / if >2 flare-ups in 1y
Thiopurine: Azathioprine or Mercaptopurine PO
or
Biologic: Infliximab IV or Adalimumab SC
What is the main side effect of aminosalicylates to remember?
Acute pancreatitis
What are the options for surgery in UC?
Emergency:
Hartmann’s protosigmoidectomy + end ileostomy –> later IPAA (ileal-pouch ana anastomosis)
Non-emergency:
Protocolectomy + IPAA or
Panprotocolectomy + end ileostomy
What are the criteria used to diagnose IBS?
It’s a diagnosis of excusion based on the ROME III criteria:
- Improvement with defaecation
- Change in stool frequency
- Change in stool form/ appearance/ consistency
Recall the grading of haemarrhoids
1st: in rectum after defaecation
2nd: prolapse at defaecation, spontaneous reduction
3rd: prolapse at defaecation, manual reduction
4th: persistently prolapsed
What is the first line management of haemorrhoids?
Increased fruit/ fibre
Stool softener
Topical analgesics
Topical steroids (suppository)
Recall some non-operative ways of managing haemorrhoids?
Rubber-band ligation
Sclerotherapy
Electrotherapy
Infrared coagulation
Recall 3 surgical options for managing haemorrhoids
Haemarrhoidectomy
Haemorrhoidopexy
HALO (haemorrhoidal artery ligation operation)
What is the standard treatment for C diff enterocolitis?
PO vancomycin
2nd line fidaxomicin
If severe/unresponsive –> IV vanc + met
Which bacteria demonstrates “tumble weed motility”?
Listeria monocytogenes
How can listeria gastroenteritis be treated?
Amoxicillin/ ampicillin
Which 3 antibiotics are most associated with causing C diff enterocolitis?
Cephalosporin
Clindamycin
Ciprofloxacin
Which gastroenteritis-causing pathogen is associated with undercooked seafood?
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Which gastroenteritis-causing pathogen is associated with shellfish handlers?
Vibrio vulnificus (in immunocompetent usually causes cellulitis/ nec. fasciitis)
Recal the site of absorption of iron, folate and B12
Iron: Duodenum
Folate: Jejunum
B12: Ileum
Which skin condition is pathognomonic for coeliac disease?
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Describe the appearance of stool in coeliac disease
Waterey, grey, frothy
What system is used to grade coeliac disease?
Marsh system
Recall some typical histological findings in coeliac disease
Villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia
Recall the name of the scoring system used to diagnose appendicitis and its components
Alvarado score:
Signs:
RLQ tenderness (+2)
Fever
Rebound tenderness
Symptoms:
Anorexia
Nausea/vomiting
Pain migration to RLQ
Lab:
Leucocytosis (WBC > 10,000) (+2)
Left shift (>75% neutrophils)
Recall some eponymous signs on examination that are indicative of appendicitis
Rovsing’s sign: Pain greater in RIF than LIF when LIF pressed
Cope’s sign: Pain on passive flexion and internal rotation of the hip
What does rebound tenderness indicate about appendicitis?
That it involves peritoneum
What sign can be used to demonstrate a retrocaecal appendix?
Pain on extending hip (Psoas sign)
How should an un-perforated appendix be managed?
Prophylactic antibiotics followed by laparoscopic appendectomy
How should a perforated appendix be managed?
Abdominal lavage
What is “Amirand’s triangle”?
Triad of conditions that predisposes to gallstone disease:
Low lecithin
Low bile salts
High cholesterol
How can the symptoms of cholecystitis and cholangitis be differentiated?
Cholecystitis = no jaundice Cholangitis = obstructive jaundice
How can the symptoms of cholecystitis and biliary colic be differentiated?
Biliary colic = RUQ pain
Cholecystitis = RUQ pain + fever
What is Charcot’s triad?
Triad of classical symptoms of ascending cholangitis
Jaundice
RUQ pain
fever
What is Reynauld’s pentad?
Pentad of classical symptoms of severe ascending cholangitis Jaundice RUQ pain Fever Hypotension Confusion
Within what time frame should a laparoscopic cholecystectomy be performed for cholecystitis?
1 week (use antibiotics whilst waiting)
What is “Mirizzi syndrome”?
Impaction of common hepatic duct by a GB stone
What is the pathophysiology of “porcelain gallbladder”?
Chronic cholecystitis can –> calcification of GB walls
Recall some complications of acute cholecystitis
Chronic diarrhoea (GB removal --> more bile reaches large intestine --> more water and salt draw into bowel) Vitamin ADEK malabsorption (can --> bleeding due to less 2,7,9,10 production)
What is a SeHCAT study?
Selenium in Homocholic Acid Taurine - assesses bile acid retention to see if this is cause of diarrhoea
How can diarrhoea post-cholecystectomy be managed?
Cholestyramine (binds to bile acids and makes the biologically inactive)
How can ascending cholangitis be managed?
IV antibiotics followed by therapeutic ERCP within 48 hours
What are the key symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma?
Palpable gallbladder, obstructive jaundice
What is the gold-standard investigation for staging cholangiocarcinoma?
ERCP
Recall and compare the symptoms of PBC vs PSC
PBC:
Pruritis, obstructive jaundice, RUQ pain in 10%, hyperholesterolaemia
PSC:
Pruritis, obstructive jaundice, steatorrhoea, splenomegaly
How can features of PBC be remembered?
The M rule:
IgM
anti-Mitochondrial antibodies, M2 subtype
Middle aged females
Recall and compare the antibodies involved in PBC vs PSC
PBC: AMA
PSC: p-ANCA
Recall and compare the best way to investigate PBC vs PSC
PBC: cholestatic liver biochemistry and AMA blood test (biopsy is diagnostic but often not carried out)
PSC: MRCP is preferred to start (rosary sign), then p-ANCA + BIOPSY (‘onion skin’ appearance of obliterated cholangitis)
Recall and compare the management approaches for PBS vs PSC
PBS: ursodeoxycholic acid + cholestyramine + prednisolone for associated autoimmune disease
PSC: observation –> liver transplant
What % of patients with PSC get cholangiocarcinoma?
10%
Which autoimune gallbladder disease is associated with IBD?
PSC (ulcerative colitis)
How are the 3 types of autoimmune hepatitis characterised?
T1: high titres of ANA or ASMA - adults and children
T2: Anti-LKM-1,2,3 - affects children
T3: Anti-SLA (soluble liver antigen) - middle age
What are the key symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis?
Amenorrhoea
Chronic liver disease OR acute hepatitis
Which type of autoimmune gallbladder disease can affect extrahepatic ducts?
PSC
How is autoimmune hepatitis managed?
Steroids + azothioprine
Eventual liver transplantation
What are the 4 signs of portal hypertension?
SAVE Splenomegaly Ascites Varices Encephalopathy
What is the triad of symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
Ataxia
Confusion
Ophthalmoplegia
Recall the mainstay of management for hepatic vs wernicke’s encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy: lactulose + rifaximin
Wernicke’s encephalopathy: thiamine, magnesium, folic acid
What are the principles of managing ascites?
Diet: restrict EtOH and fluids, daily weights
Diuretics: spironolactone (+/- furosemide)
Prophylaxis (for SBP): ciprofloxacin + propranolol
For refractory disease: TIPPS/ transplant
What is an abdominal paracentesis procedure used to treat?
Tense ascites
What is the most common pathogen in SBP?
E coli
What investigation is used to confirm ascites?
USS abdomen
How can SBP be confirmed?
Ascitic tap with PMN>250 and MC+S
What drugs are used to treat vs as prophylaxis for SBP
Treatment: piptazobactam/cefotaxime
Prophylaxis: ciprofloxacin + propranolol
When should SBP prophylaxis be started?
Ascites protein <15g/L
What is the screening test for haemachromatosis?
Transferrin saturation - >55% in males and >50% in females may indicate further investigation
What stain can be used on liver biopsy to identify haemachromatosis?
Perl’s stain
What is the 1st and 2nd line management for haemachromotosis?
1st line: Venesection
2nd line: Desferrioxamine
Describe the typical presentation of NAFLD
Acute weight loss followed by jaundice
Recall the order in which you would order investigations for NAFLD
1st: LFTs (ALT will be > AST)
2nd: USS (will show increased echogenicity)
3rd: Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) panel OR a fibroscan
4th: Liver biopsy
What are the components of an ELF panel?
Hyaluronic acid
Procollagen III
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1
What is the mainstay of management for NAFLD?
Lifestyle changes and wt loss
What are the classical symptoms of acute pancreatitis?
Severe epigastric pain radiating through to back with nausea and vomiting
What is Cullen’s sign and what diagnosis does it support?
Cullen’s sign = “superficial oedema with bruising in the subcutaneous fatty tissue around the peri-umbilical region”
Indicative of acute pancreatitis
What is Grey Turner’s sign and what diagnosis does it support?
Grey-Turner’s sign = flank bruising
Indicative of acute pancreatitis
How raised is serum amylase likely to be in acute pancreatitis?
> 3 times the upper limit of normal (in 75% of patients)
What is the most specific marker for acute pancreatitis that will be raised in the blood?
Serum lipase
What criteria are used to grade severity of acute pancreatitis?
Glasgow-Imrie
What criteria are used to estimate prognosis in acute pancreatitis?
PANCREAS PaO2 <8 Age >55 Neutrophils >15 Calcium <2 Renal urea >16 Enzymes (LDH>600, AST/ALT >200) Albumin <32 Sugar >10
How long does an acute episode of pancreatitis have to last for to be considered ‘severe’?
> 48 hours
Recall and differentiate between the management of acute pancreatitis vs necrotising pancreatitis?
For both:
Fluids, analgesia (stat boluses of IV morphine until comfortable), enteral feeding maintained, correct the cause
Only if necrotising: antibiotics
Recall some possible early complications of acute pancreatitis
Haemorrhage
SIRS/ARDS
Hyperglycaemia (see pancreas critera)
Hypocalcaemia (see pancreas criteria)
Recall some possible late complications of acute pancreatitis
25% –> peri-pancreatic fluid collection
Pseudocysts (appear at around 4w)
Pancreatic abscess (infected pseudocyst)
Pancreatic necrosis
What % of chronic pancreatitis is due to alcohol excess?
80%
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
Symptoms: epigastric pain, typically worse 15-30 mins post-prandially
Signs: Steatorrhoea, diabetes
What investigations can be done in suspected chronic pancreatitis?
USS for gallstones
Contrast-enhanced CT
Faecal elastase (measures exocrine function)
Screen for diabetes and osteoporosis
What is faecal elastase used to measure?
Exocrine function
What histological type of cancer are 80% of pancreatic cancers?
Adenocarcinomas
What is the classical presentation of pancreatic cancer?
Painless obstructive jaundice, painless palpable gallbladder (courvoisier’s law), FLAWS
Symptoms of lost exocrine/endocrine function
What is trousseau’s sign of malignancy, and in which types of cancer is it sometimes observed?
Migratory superficial thrombophlebitis (moves from one leg to the other)
Strongly associated with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and lung
What is the pathognemonic sign on High Resolution CT for head of the pancreatic/bile duct cancer?
“Double duct” sign
Shows simultaneous dilation of CBD and pancreatic duct
What is the definitive management of pancreatic cancer?
Whipple’s procedure
Pancreaticoduodenectomy
What are the common complications of Whipple’s procedure?
Dumping syndrome (gastric emptying of contents into duodenum too fast) PUD (if delayed gastric emptying instead of dumping syndrome) Bile/pancreatic link
What is the non-surgical management of pancreatic cancer (eg if metastatic/ unsuitable for resection)?
ERCP with stenting
What classification is used for diverticular disease?
Hinchey classification
What is the investigation of choice for:
a) acute diverticulitis
b) chronic diverticular disease?
a) CT abdomen
b) barium enema (can’t do in acute phase as may cause perforation)
How does the management of mild and severe diverticular disease differ?
Medical:
Mild: PO antibiotics
Severe: IV antibiotics (cef + met) + drip and suck (due to BO) + soluble, high-fibre diet
Surgical (only if severe)
Hartmann’s –> primary anastomosis
Recall some indications for an urgent (2ww) OGD on suspicion of gastric/oesophageal malignancy?
Dyspepsia
Upper abdominal mass
Age >55 AND weight loss AND any of dyspepsia/GORD/upper abdo pain
nb if no weight loss –> NON-urgent OGD
What is the gold standard test for diagnosis of GORD?
24 hour oesophageal pH monitoring
What is the mechanism by which H pylori vs GORD produce dyspepsia?
H pylori –> ulcers –> dyspepsia
GORD –> dyspepsia
What are the 3 ways in which you can test for H pylori?
- Carbon-13 urea breath test
- Stool antigen test
- Lab-based serology
What is the mainstay of management for H pylori?
Clarithromycin, amoxicillin, PPI
How does the medical management differ between endoscopically-proven vs endoscopically-negative GORD?
Proven: 2 months PPI trial followed by 1 month trial of double dose, 2nd line = add H2-RA
Negative: 1 month trial of PPI, 2nd line = H2-RA
What is the surgical management option for refractory GORD?
Nissen fundoplication
What are the most common complications of nissen fundoplication?
Gas-bloat syndrome (can’t belch/vomit)
Dysphagia (if wrap is too tight)
What is Maddrey’s discriminant function?
For alcoholic hepatitis:
Predicts prognosis and who will benefit from steroids
What score is used to stage liver cirrhosis?
Childs Pugh
What is Budd Chiari syndrome and how is it classified?
Syndrome caused by blockage of the hepatic vein
Type 1 = thrombosis
Type 2 = tumour occlusion
What are the possible signs and symptoms of Budd-chiari syndrome?
Abdominal pain, ascites, tender hepatomegaly
What is the gold standard investigation for budd-chiari syndrome?
Abdominal USS with doppler
What are the 3 best investigations when suspecting achalasia?
LOS manometry
Barium swallow
CXR
Recall some signs and symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome, and recall which hormone is responsible for these symptoms
Flushing, diarrhoea, bronchospasm, hypotension, pulmonary stenosis, pellagra, endocrine over-function
Serotonin
What 2 investigations can be used to investigate the carcinoid syndrome?
Urinary 5-HIAA
Plasma chromogranin A y
What is the first line management for the carcinoid syndrome?
Somatostatin analogues eg octreotide
Recall some antibiotics that may predispose to C diff infection
Amoxicillin Ampicillin Cephalosporin (eg cefuroxime, ceftriaxone) Clindamycin Co-amoxiclav Quinolones
Recall the management of C diff colitis
1st episode: oral metronidazole
2nd episode/ severe 1st: oral vancomycin
Life-threatening/ ileus: oral vancomycin + IV metronidazole
ALL antibiotics over 10-14 day period
Recall 3 risk factors for small bowel overgrowth
Neonates with congenital abnormalities
Diabetes mellitus
Scleroderma
Recall the signs and symptoms of small bowel overgrowth
Very similar to IBS
Chronic diarrhoea
Bloating and flatulence
Abdominal pain
Recall 3 ways of investigating for a small bowel overgrowth
Hydrogen breath test
Folate (will be high as bacteria produce it)
Diagnostic course of antibiotics
What is the usual first line antibiotic for small bowel overgrowth?
Rifamixin
What is Mackler’s triad?
The triad of symptoms seen in Boerhaave’s syndrome:
Chest pain
Vomiting
Subcutaneous emphysema
In PUD, which artery is most likely to be a major source of bleeding?
Gastroduodenal artery
When should opioid analgesia NOT be used following major abdominal surgery, and what alternative should be used?
In respiratory disease eg COPD
Alternative is epidural anaesthesia
How should autoimmune hepatitis be treated?
30mg prednisolone PO, followed by introduction of azothioprine
MUST have confirmation of diagnosis from biopsy first unless there is a CI to biopsy
How long does autoimmune hepatitis need to be treated for?
At least 2 years after blood results normalise before discontinuing therapy
How should benign peptic strictures be managed?
PPI to treat underlying GORD
Balloon dilatation following benign biopsy
What is the most common complication of balloon dilatation of a peptic stricture?
Oesophageal rupture (which may cause mediastinitis)
How can oesophageal rupture be imaged best?
CT with oral contrast
Recall some extra-articular manifestations of UC - saying which are related to disease activity and which are not
Examples of extra-intestinal conditions related to activity of colitis: Erythema nodosum Aphthous ulcers Episcleritis Anterior uveitis Acute arthropathy
Not related to activity of colitis:
Sacroiliiitis /Ankylosing spondylitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
(info from capsule case 202)
What is the 1st line management for acute severe ulcerative colitis?
IV hydrocortisone
How can blood glusose be used to assess liver function?
Assesses synthetic function
How should variceal bleeds be managed when there is haemodynamic instability?
- Fluid resuscitation with blood transfusion
- IV vasopressin analogue eg terlipressin
- IV antibiotics
- Refer to endoscopy
nb. No IV PPI given prior to endoscopy
What is the best surgical management for bleeding varices?
Band ligation or sclerotherapy
What is the most appropriate long term management of varices?
Non-cardioselective beta blocker
If variceal bleeding cannot be stopped with ligation, how can it be managed?
Insertion of Sengstaken Blakemore tube
What are the 5 components of the Childs Pugh score?
Serum bilirubin Serum albumin Prothrombin time Presence of ascites Presence of encephalopathy
Recall some differentials for the cause of ascites depending on whether the SAAG is low or high
High: portal HTN secondary to cirrhosis/ alcoholic hepatitis/ heart failure/ portal vein thrombosis
Low: peritoneal cause eg. malignancy, infections, pancreatitis and nephrotic syndrome
If someone has a diagnostic ascitic tap, what 7 tests should the fluid be sent for?
Culture and sensitivity Cytology LDH Glucose Total protein content Albumin concentration Cell count and differential
Which 2 investigations are best for imaging chronic pancreatitis?
CT
MRCP
Recall 2 drugs and 2 drug classes that can cause drug-induced liver damage
Roziglitazone
Flucloxacillin
Macrolides
Statins
When is mesenteric angiography used?
To find the source of a GI bleed when endoscopy cannot do so
What is the programme for screening for hepatocellular carcinoma?
In patients with cirrhosis, ultrasound every 6 months with additional CT/MRI if focal lesions seen on USS
What is BAM?
Bile acid malabsorbption
Bile acids enter colon –> too many bile acids in colon –> profuse waterey diarrhoea
Should be halted by fasting
Recall some examples of secretory diarrhoea
C diff
E coli 157
Cholera
Neuroendocrine tumours eg vasointestinal peptide-oma –> profound hypokalaemia without being fasted
Recall 3 examples of inflammatory diarrhoea
UC
Crohn’s
Shigella
Recall 4 examples of diarrhoea due to abnormal motility
Hyperthyroidism
Autonomic neuropathy (in DM)
Stimulant laxatives eg senna
IBS
What is the histological finding of “owl’s eyes” pathognemonic for?
CMV
What is Zollinger Ellison syndrome?
A rare digestive disorder caused by a neuroendocrine tumour that produces gastrin which leads to excess gastric acid. This excess gastric acid can cause peptic ulcers in the stomach and intestine
How should autoimmune hepatitis be treated (broadly)?
Prednisolone and azothioprine
How to choose ERCP vs MRCP?
ERCP is only now used as a therapeutic test - do this if worried about cancer (to take samples) or if there is something you can stent
MRCP is purely diagnostic (eg for PSC, see beading)
Recall 3 GI causes of clubbing
GI malignancy
IBD
Chronic liver disease
What is the cause of leukonychia?
Hypoalbuminaemia
Recall 3 differentials for hepatomegaly
Hepatitis
NAFLD
Haematological malignancy
How can you tell the spleen and kidney apart on palpation, apart from location?
Spleen: Moves down with inspiration You cannot get above it Has a notch Dull to percussion Not ballotable
Recall 3 differentials for splenomegaly
Haematological malignancies
Alcohol misuse
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Recall 3 differentials for enlarged kidneys
Renal vein thrombosis (usually UL)
Obstructive uropathy
PCKD
Recall 3 causes of ascites
Portal hypertension
Constrictive pericarditis
Ovarian malignancy
Recall some causes of cholestasis
Pancreatic cancer physically obstructing the gut
PBC (nb AMA pos, high IgM)
Chronic active hepatitis (anti-nuclear factor pos, high IgG)
What drugs must be stopped to make a carbon13 Urea breath test reliable?
Amoxicillin 4w prior
PPI 2w prior
What is the difference in the metabolic derangement that can be caused by diarrhoea vs vomiting?
Diarrhoea: normal anion gap acidosis
Vomiting: alkalosis
What vaccine is given every 5 years in coeliac disease?
Pneumococcal
How should a mild-moderate flare of UC be managed?
In a mild-moderate flare of ulcerative colitis extending past the left-sided colon, oral aminosalicylates should be added to rectal aminosalicylates, as enemas only reach so far (Passmed)
What medication change is required for gastroscopy?
Stop PPI (eg omeprazole) 2w before procedure
How should nutrition be managed in acute pancreatitis?
All patients with moderate to severe acute pancreatitis should be offered enteral nutrition (eg normal feeding or ng tube if needed) within 72 hours. They should only be offered parenteral nutrition if they cannot tolerate food (eg profuse vomiting).
How can Crohn’s increase the risk of gallstones?
Terminal ileitis can reduce bile salt resorption
In which patients with sigmoid volvulus would you NOT treat with a therapeutic flexible sigmoidoscopy?
In patients with sigmoid volvulus who have bowel obstruction with symptoms of peritonitis
If mild/mod C difficile does not respond to oral vancomycin, what should be used 2nd line?
Oral fidaxomicin
If more severe infectiom = oral vancomycin + IV metronidazole
How should high grade dysplasia in Barret’s oesophagus be managed?
Endoscopic ablation
What are the grades of hepatic encaphalopathy?
Grade I: Irritability
Grade II: Confusion, inappropriate behaviour
Grade III: Incoherent, restless
Grade IV: Coma
How might subcutaneous emphysema appear on examination?
Mild crepitus in the epigastric region
What are the 2 most important blood tests for monitoring haemachromatosis?
Ferritin and transferrin saturation
How is alcoholic ketoacidosis managed?
Infusion of thiamine and saline
What is the limit of protein concentration in ascites for giving antibiotic prophylaxis, and what antibiotic is used?
Give antibiotics if protein concentration <15g/L
Abx of choice = ciprofloxacin
If coeliac needs to be confirmed by biopsy, what is biopsied?
Jejunum