Oesophageal disorders Flashcards
Where does the oesophagus begin?
C6
Lower level of the cricoid cartilage
Where des the oesophagus terminate?
T11/12
Where it enters stomach
What is the structural difference between the upper 1/3 and lower 2/3 of oesophagus?
Upper- striated muscle
Lower- smooth muscle
What is the epithelium of the oesophagus?
Stratified squamous non keratinised epithelium
What does the vagus nerve mediate?
Peristalsis and relaxation of lower oesophageal sphincter
What is the lower oesophageal sphincter?
Striated muscle of the right crus of the diaphragm
What level of reflux is there naturally in the oesophagus?
Degree occurs physiologically
Certain drugs and food can lower LOS pressure and increase reflux without pathology
What can persistent reflux cause?
Gastro oesophageal reflux disease
What can gastrooesophageal reflux disease cause?
Dysphagia and odynophagia
What must be enquired about in dysphagia?
Type of food, pattern, associated features, location
What are the possible causes of dysphagia?
Benign stricture Malignancy stricture Motility disorders Eosiniphilic infiltrate Extrinsic compression
What investigations can be carried out for oesophageal disorders?
Endoscopy
Contract radiology- barium swallow
Oesophageal pH and manometry
What are the motility disorders of the oesophagus?
Hypermotility
Hypomotility
Achlasia
What is diagnostic of hypermotility of the oesophagus?
Corkscrew appearance on barium swallow
Exaggerated, uncoordinated hypertonic contractions with manometry
What are the symptoms of hypermotility of the oesophagus?
Severe pain, with or without dysphagia
How is hyper motility of the oesophagus treated?
Smooth muscle relaxants
What is hypo motility of the oesophagus often caused by?
Connective tissue disease
Diabetes
Neuropathy
What does hypo motility cause?
Failure of LOS mechanism, leading to heartburn and reflux symptoms
What is achalasia?
Functional loss of myenteric plexus ganglion cells in distal oesophagus and LOS
What is the cardinal feature of achalasia?
Failure of LOS to relax causing functional distal obstruction of the oesophagus
What are the symptoms of achalasia?
Progressive dysphagia Weight loss Chest pain Regurgitation Chest infection