Oesophageal Disease Flashcards
Pathophysiology of GORD
GORD
Physiology: reflux of gastric content into the oesophagus → a normal event
Pathology: clinical symptoms occur if the contact of gastric content and oesophagus is prolonged
Due to: lower oesophageal sphincter tone being reduced or/and delayed gastric emptying
Factors predisposing to GORD
- rich, spicy food
- alcohol
- hiatus hernia
- obesity
- pregnancy
- systemic sclerosis
- anything that could increase intra-abdominal pressure e.g. swimming
Symptoms of GORD
- heartburn
- regurge
- cough
- dysphagia
- aspiration of gastric content into the lungs → breathing affected
Investigations for GORD
- clinical diagnosis → most patients treated without investigations
- oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) in ALARM symptoms*
*explained further on different card
ALARM symptoms that indicate the need for OGD
A - anorexia
L - loss of weight
A - anaemia due to iron deficiency
R - recent or persistent vomiting
M - melaena or haematemesis
In addition: dysphagia (progressive), epigastric mass, suspicious barium meal
Management (in order of treatment) (5)
- Lifestyle changes (less alcohol, diet change, quit smoking, weight loss)
- OTC antacids (containing Alginate)
- PPIs (e.g. Omeprazole)
- H2 receptor antagonist
- Surgery
How do PPIs work?
irreversibly inhibit ATPase and block the luminal secretion of Gastric Acid.
Complications of GORD
- oesophagitis
- ulcers
- anaemia
- benign strictures
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- oesophageal carcinoma
Epithelium change in Barett’s Oesophagus
From squamous to columnar
Treatment for endoscopically proven oesophagitis
Endoscopically proven oesophagitis
- full dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 1-2 months
- if response then low dose treatment as required
- if no response then double-dose PPI for 1 month
Treatment for endoscopically negative reflux disease
Endoscopically negative reflux disease
- full dose PPI for 1 month
- if response then offer low dose treatment, possibly on an as-required basis, with a limited number of repeat prescriptions
- if no response then H2RA or prokinetic for one month
What’s Barrett’s Oesophagus?
- metaplasia of the lower oesophageal mucosa → usual squamous epithelium being replaced by columnar epithelium
- increased risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Is there a screening programme for Barrett’s?
No screening → identified when patients have an endoscopy for evaluation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia
Histological features of Barrett’s
The columnar epithelium may resemble that of either the cardiac region of the stomach or that of the small intestine (e.g. with goblet cells, brush border)
How often do we do endoscopy in Barrett’s
Endoscopic surveillance
- for patients with metaplasia (but not dysplasia) endoscopy is recommended every 3-5 years
RIsk factors for Barrett’s
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is the single strongest risk factor
- male gender (7:1 ratio)
- smoking
- central obesity
Management of Barrett’s
- endoscopic surveillance with biopsies
- high-dose proton pump inhibitor
- If dysplasia of any grade is identified endoscopic intervention is offered. Options include:
- endoscopic mucosal resection
- radiofrequency ablation
Pathophysiology of achalasia
- Pathophysiology: Decrease in ganglionic cells in the nerve plexus of the oesophageal wall and degeneration of vagus nerve
-
Result: Oesophageal aperistalsis and failure of relaxation of LOS → impaired oesophageal emptying (swallowing)
cause: unknown
Typical presentation of achalasia
- long history of difficulty in swallowing of BOTH liquids and solids
- possible regurgitation
- chest pain →although an unusual symptom
Investigations of achalasia
- OGD → dilated oesophagus + tapering /zwezajacy/ lower end
- barium swallow
- oesophageal manometry → gold standard