Oesophageal Disease Flashcards
What is the most common cause of oesophagitis?
Chronic causes - specifically GORD
Apart from chronic oesophagitis, what are the two rarer causes?
Acute (i.e. herpes) or allergic (i.e. eosinophillic)
Describe the pathology of Barrett’s oesophagus from GORD.
Increased desquamation -> hypoplasia -> metaplasia -> dysplasia
Visually, what is the main sign of Barrett’s?
A red, velvety mucosa
Why does metaplasia occur in Barrett’s?
It is protective, allowing fast regeneration of lost cells due to acid from GORD
Name the three types of tumour in the oesophagus.
Benign (squamous papilloma), Malignant (squamous cell, adenocarcinoma)
Where do Mallory-Weiss tears most often occur and why?
The gastro-oesophageal junction, due to prolonged vomiting (and GORD)
Name the main symptoms of GORD.
Heartburn, acid reflux, waterbrash, weight loss, pain, cough
Describe the main drug treatments of GORD.
Lifestyle changes
Antacids (majority of patients)
PPIs then H2 blockers
Name three causes of GORD.
Hiatus hernia, gastroparesis, achalsia
What causes oesophageal varices?
Portal hypertension (>12 mmHg)
When should oesophageal varices be suspected?
Cirrhosis, alcohol, hepatitis, autoimmune disease, sepsis
Which techniques should be used to treat varices?
Resus -> haemastasis -> prevent complication -> protect the liver
Which five surgical procedures can be used to treat varices?
Terlipressin bolus, banding, sclerotherapy, balloon, TIPS
What is globus/globus sensation?
A feeling of a lump in the throat which does not interfere with swallowing. Functional and psychiatry
