Module 1: Digestive & Liver Disorders Flashcards
Define Atresias
Blockage of the tract
Define Stenosis
Narrowing of the tract
Define Fistulas
An abnormal opening between two organs or an organ cavity and the outside
What is malabsorption syndrome?
A condition where the GI tract cannot absorb nutrients properly
Symptoms include diarrhea, steatorrhea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss.
What are the nutritional implications of malabsorption syndrome?
Impaired absorption leads to anemia, osteoporosis, and weight loss
These implications arise due to the inability to absorb essential nutrients.
Which disorders are associated with GERD?
Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
GERD can lead to complications like Barrett’s esophagus.
What role does H. Pylori play in PUD?
H. Pylori infection is a major risk factor for the development of peptic ulcers
It contributes to the damage of the stomach lining.
What are the common symptoms of gastritis?
Epigastric burning, pain, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastritis can be acute or chronic.
What is the main cause of erosive gastritis?
Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Other causes include alcohol, cocaine, and radiation.
What is the main diagnostic test for gastritis?
Endoscopy with or without biopsy of the stomach
Other tests include upper GI series and blood tests.
What are the treatment options for gastritis?
Antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and reducing NSAID use
H. Pylori infection must be treated to prevent complications.
What is peptic ulcer disease?
A lesion in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus
Types include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and esophageal ulcers.
What are the risk factors for peptic ulcers?
H. Pylori infection, smoking, NSAIDs, high serum gastrin levels
Hypergastrinaemia is also a common risk factor.
What is pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic
It affects both the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas.
What are the major causes of acute pancreatitis?
Gallstones and alcohol abuse
Gallstones can block bile ducts, while alcohol damages pancreatic tissue.
What are the clinical features of chronic pancreatitis?
Abdominal pain, pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, steatorrhea, weight loss
Chronic pancreatitis leads to irreversible damage.
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
A relapsing and remitting condition characterized by chronic inflammation in the GI tract
IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
What is the peak onset age for Crohn’s disease?
15 - 25 years
A second peak occurs in individuals aged 50 - 70 years.
What are the characteristics of Crohn’s disease?
Inflammation that is not continuous, affecting any part of the GI tract
It can cause ulcers and granulomas.
What is Crohn Disease?
A type of IBD that usually affects the distal ileum and colon but may occur in any part of the GI tract
Crohn Disease is characterized by areas of inflammation in the GIT that are not continuous.
What is the etiology of Crohn Disease?
Unknown, but may involve a dysfunctional immune response to GIT pathogens and a genetic component
There is an increased risk in families.
Describe the pathophysiology of Crohn Disease.
Inflammation spreads through layers of the gut (transmural), resulting in ulcers, granulomas, and abscesses
This includes deep longitudinal and transverse ulcers with intervening mucosal edema.
What is a characteristic appearance of the bowel in Crohn Disease?
Cobblestone appearance due to deep ulcers and mucosal edema
This is a result of the pattern of inflammation.
What are common complications of Crohn Disease?
Perianal fistulas and abscesses
Fistulas may form into adjoining structures and can lead to bowel obstruction.
List the common signs and symptoms of Crohn Disease.
- Chronic diarrhea
- Malabsorption
- Abdominal pain
- Tenderness
- Fever
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Blood in the stool (less common)
Chronic diarrhea occurs because the large intestine’s ability to absorb water is impaired.
What diagnostic methods are used for Crohn Disease?
- Barium x-rays of small bowel
- Abdominal CT
- Endoscopy
These methods help visualize the condition of the GI tract.
What are the main treatments for Crohn Disease?
- Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Aminosalicylic acids)
- Antibiotics
- Immunomodulating drugs (e.g. corticosteroids)
- Surgery (for complications)
Surgery may improve symptoms but does not cure the disease.
What is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?
A chronic inflammatory and ulcerative disease with an autoimmune cause
Severity ranges from mild & localized to severe, with periods of ‘flare’ and ‘remission’.
Where does Ulcerative Colitis usually begin?
In the rectum
It may remain localized in the rectum or extend proximally.
What are the categories of Ulcerative Colitis based on location?
- Proctitis: only the rectum
- Proctosigmoiditis: rectum and sigmoid colon
- Left-sided colitis: entire left side of the large intestine
- Pancolitis: the entire colon
Each category indicates the extent of the disease.
What are common signs and symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
- Pain in left lower quadrant
- Abdominal cramps
- Severe and frequent diarrhea (with blood)
- Bloody mucus in stools
- Loss of Na+ & water
- Fever, Anorexia, Anaemia, Weight loss
Symptoms vary based on the severity of the disease.
What diagnostic tests are used for Ulcerative Colitis?
- Endoscopy (sigmoidoscopy with biopsy)
- Stool tests (blood +ve)
- Lab tests for anaemia
- Abdominal x-ray
These tests help confirm the diagnosis and assess the condition.
What are common complications of Ulcerative Colitis?
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Vit K)
- Massive bleeding
- Severe diarrhea leading to hypovolemia
- Increased risk of colorectal cancer
- Perforation
These complications can arise from the disease progression.
Define diverticula.
Saclike out-pouches where the mucosa and submucosa protrude through the muscular wall of the digestive system
They can occur anywhere in the large bowel, but usually in the sigmoid colon.
What is diverticulitis?
Inflammation with or without infection of a diverticulum
It can lead to complications such as bleeding or rupture.
What dietary factor is associated with diverticula formation?
A low-fiber diet
Low fiber leads to constipation and increased pressure in the sigmoid colon.
What is the most common symptom of intestinal polyps?
Asymptomatic, but rectal bleeding is the most frequent symptom
Symptoms may include cramps and abdominal pain if the polyp is large.
What is the most common type of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract?
Colorectal cancer
It develops from adenomatous polyps in over 95% of cases.
What increases the risk of colorectal cancer?
- Age (40-50 years)
- Familial risk (10% inherited)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Low-fiber diets high in animal protein and fat
These factors contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.
What are the two main types of hernias that can cause digestive system disorders?
- Hiatus hernia
- Inguinal hernia
Each type has different causes and symptoms.
What is a hiatus hernia?
A protrusion of the stomach through the opening in the diaphragm
It can be sliding (most common) or paraesophageal.
What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?
Visible bulge, asymptomatic or vague discomfort
Complications can include incarcerated or strangulated hernias.
Define intestinal obstruction.
Significant mechanical impairment or complete arrest of the passage of intestinal contents
It can involve the small or large intestine and may be partial or complete.
What are the two types of intestinal obstruction?
- Mechanical
- Nonmechanical (functional)
Mechanical obstruction can be simple or strangulated.
What are common causes of small intestine obstruction?
- Adhesions
- Strangulated hernias
- Gallstones
- Food bolus obstruction
- Abdominal surgery
These causes account for the majority of small intestine obstructions.
What are the symptoms of strangulated obstruction?
- Severe pain
- Vomiting
- Abdominal distension
- High-pitched gurgling sounds
Strangulation can lead to serious complications like gangrene.
What is peritonitis?
Inflammation of the peritoneal cavity
It can arise from various GI conditions, trauma, or surgery.
What are some complications of intestinal obstruction?
- Perforation
- Fistulas
- Peritonitis
- Septicaemia
- Sepsis
These complications can be life-threatening.
Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor for…?
Paptic ulcers
The two major causes of acute pancreatitis are…?
Gallstone and alcohol abuse
A mass of tissue that arises from the bowel wall and protrudes into the lumen is a/an…?
Polyp
An abnormal opening between two organs or an organ cavity and the outside environment is a/an…?
Fistula
An immune reaction to gluten resulting in gastrointestinal inflammation is what disease?
Coeliac disease
A protrusion of the stomach through the opening in the diaphragm is?
a hiatus hernia
Diverticula can occur anywhere in the intestine but are usually found where?
Sigmoid colon
the part of the large intestine that is closest to the rectum and anus
Name a screening test used to diagnose colorectal cancer
Colonoscopy
Obstructions of the large intestine are NOT caused by:
1. A bolus of food
2. Diverticulitis
3. Volvulus
4. Tumours
- A bolus of food
Proctitis describes inflammation of the
1. Rectum and the sigmoid colon
2. Entire left side of the large intestine
3. Entire colon
4. Rectum
Rectum
Symptomsof ulcerative colitis do NOT include…
1. Loss of sodium and water
2. Pain in left lower quadrant
3. Bloody mucus containing stools
4. Constipation
Constipation
hepatobiliary system refers to what organ system?
The liver
Which one of the following is NOT a function of the liver?
1. Synthesis of bile
2. Absorption of nutrients
3. Carbohydrate metabolism
4. Conjugation of bilirubin
Absorption of nutrients
Which statement about the liver in incorrect?
- Hepatocytes store glucose as glycogen and detoxify metabolic waste
- Sinusoids allow the exchange of materials between blood and hepatocytes
- Venous blood flows out of the liver via the hepatic portal vein
- Oxygenated blood flows into the liver bia the hepatic artery
Venous blood flows out of the liver via the hepatic portal vien. It flows into the liver via the hepatic artery and the hepatic portal vein
Jandice is also known as…?
1. Haemophilia
2. Hypercholesterolemia
3. Anaemia
4. Icterus
Icterus
Jaundice is cause by?
excess bilirubin in the blood
A cause of intrahepatic jaundice is…?
1. Obstruction by gallstones
2. Hepatitis
3. Strictures
4. Blood transfusion reastions
Hepatitis
Urobilinogen is absent in the urin of patients with…?
1. Posthepatic obstructive jaundice
2. Intrahepatic jaundice
3. Prehepatic hemolytic jaundice
Posthepatic obstructive jaundice
Hepatitis A is a…
1. Genetic disease
2. Fungal infection
3. Viral infection
4. Bacterial infection
viral infection
Cirrhosis of the liver can result in all of the following EXCEPT for:
1. Portal hypertension
2. Ascites
3. Gallstones
4. Splenomegaly
Gallstones
Chronic end-stage liver disease is called:
Cirrhosis
