Oesophageal Disorders Flashcards
where does the oesophagus start and end?
Begins at lower level of cricoid cartilage (C6), terminates at T11-12 where it enters the stomach
is the oesophagus striated or smooth muscle?
Upper 3-4 cm striated muscle, remainder is smooth muscle
what type of epithelium is the oesophagus?
stratified squamous epithelium
what is the function of the oesophagus?
Transport of food/liquid from mouth to stomach – active process
how are oesophageal peristalsis produced?
by oesophageal circular muscles and propels swallowed materials distally into the stomach
true or false?
Contraction in the oesophageal body (peristalsis) and relaxation of the LOS is mediated via the vagus nerve
true
what are the symptoms of heartburn?
Retrosternal discomfort or burning
May be associated with: Waterbrash, Cough
Heartburn is a consequence of reflux of acidic &/or
bilious gastric contents into the oesophagus
how can the LOS be reduced?
certain drugs/food can reduce it, resulting in increased reflux/ heartburn
what does Persistent reflux and heartburn lead to?
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) which can in turn cause long-term complications
what is dysphagia?
Subjective sensation of difficulty in swallowing foods and/or liquids
what do you enquire about for someone who has dysphagia?
Type of food (solid vs liquid) - Pattern (progressive, intermittent)
- Associated features (weight loss, regurgitation, cough
where would the possible locations be for dysphagia?
Oropharyngeal -Oesophageal
causes of dysphagia?
benign stricture
- malignant stricture (oesophageal cancer) - motility disorders (eg achalasia, presbyoesophagus) - eosinophilic oesophagitis - extrinsic compression (eg in lung cancer
investigations of dysphagia
ENDOSCOPY
Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD)
Upper GI Endoscopy (UGIE)
what is hypermotility
Corkscrew appearance” on Ba swallow
-Severe, episodic chest pain +/- dysphagia
-Often confused with angina/MI
-Cause unclear (idiopathic)
-Manometry shows exaggerated,
uncoordinated, hypertonic contractions
-Rx smooth muscle relaxants
what is hypomotility
Associated with connective tissue disease,
diabetes, neuropathy
-Causes failure of LOS mechanism leading to
heartburn and reflux symptoms
what is achalasia?
Degeneration of inhibitory neurons (ganglion cells) in the myenteric plexus in the oesophagus
Often surrounded by lymphocytes- so an inflammatory aetiology is suspected
what are symptoms of achalasia?
progressive dysphagia for solids and liquids
weight loss
Chest pain (30%)
Regurgitation and chest infection
what is the treatment for achalasia?
Pharmacological - Nitrates,
Calcium Channel blockers
Endoscopic - Botulinum Toxin
Pneumatic balloon dilation
Radiological - Pneumatic balloon
dilation
Surgical - Myotomy