Oesophageal + Stomach disorders Flashcards
What is the epithelium of the stomach?
columnar epithelium
Describe the disease of Achalasia?
(4)
- Degenerative loss of ganglia from the Auerbach’s plexus.
- Impaired peristalsis of the oesophagus
- lower oesophageal sphincter is unable to relax
- Overall leads to dilation of the oesophagus.
What are the clinical features of Achalasia?
(3)
- Progressive dysphagia of BOTH foods and liquids
- Regurgitation of undigested food
- Chest pain, heartburn and weight loss
What are the investigations for Achalasia? (2)
Gold standard;
1. Oesophageal manometry
* Excessive LOS tone which does not relax on swallowing.
- Barium swallow : expanded oesophagus - ‘Bird’s beak’ appearance
What is the first line management of Achalasia
Pneumatic balloon dilation
What is the gold standard management of Achalasia?
If persistent symptoms
* Heller Cardiomyotomy
: a laproscopic procedure where a small cut in made in the lower sphincter to relive the pressure
What are the options for management for Achalasia?
- First line : Pneumatic balloon dilation
- Second line :
Heller Cardiomyotomy : a laproscopic procedure where a small cut in made in the lower sphincter to relive the pressure - Third line :
Intra-sphincteric injection of botulinum toxin to relax sphincter
What is the pathophysiology of Barret’s oesophagus?
(3)
- Metaplasia of the lower oesophageal mucosa where normal squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium
- Occurs through chronic acid exposure, causes chronic irritation and metaplasia.
- This results in an increased risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
What are the risk factors associated with Barret’s oesophagus? (4)
GORD, Male gender, smoking, haitus hernia
How is Barret’s oesphagus diagnosed? (3)
- OGD and bisosy
- goblet cells present which indicates indicates metaplasia,
- May progress from metaplasia to dysplasia eventually resulting adenocarcinoma
What are the management options of Barrett’s oesophagus (6)
- High dose proton pump inhibitor - reduces change of progression to dysplasia or limits region of metaplasia
- Endoscopic surveillance with biopsy
- i ) patients with identified metaplasia need monitoring endoscopies every 3-5 years
- ii ) If dysplasia is identified - Endoplasmic intervention is offered
- Radiofrequency ablation for low grade dysplasia
- Endoscopic muscosal resection
What is the definition of GORD?
characterised by the reflux of stomach acid and bile into the oesophagus
What are the clinical features of GORD? (5)
- heartburn
- regurgitation
- chest pain, belching,
- Acid Brash
- odynophagia
What are the complications of GORD?
- Oesophagitis
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
What are the risk factors which cause GORD? (5)
- Obesity
- Smoking, alcohol excess
- Haitus hernia
- Drugs which relax the LOS -
- Tricyclic antidepressants, nitrates, CCB, NSAIDs.
What drugs increase the risk of GORD and how? (4)
Drugs which relax the LOS -
* Tricyclic antidepressants
* nitrates
* CCB
* NSAIDs.
Which drugs cause dyspepsia? (3)
- NSAIDS
- Bisphosphonates
- Steroids
What is the definition of ‘Mallory-Weiss syndrome’
- Severe vomiting causes sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure
- leading to partial thickness laceration, involving mucosa and submucosa but not the muscular layer.
What are the risk factors for Mallory Weiss syndrome? (4)
- Alcoholism
- bulimia
- hiatal hernia
- hyperemesis gravidarum
What are the clinical features of Mallory-Weiss syndrome (4)
- Haematemesis following severe vomiting or retching
- Marlena
- Epigastric/back pain
- Signs of haemodynamic instability - hypotension, tachycardia
What investigations are indicated in Mallory Weiss syndrome?
- . Endoscopy
- FBC
What is the management of Mallory Weiss syndrome?
- Supportive management with IV fluids
- IV PPI
- Endoscopic band ligation
What is the definition of Boerhaave syndrome?
- Spontaneous rupture esophagus - full thickness tear
typically as a result of - Sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure combined with poor esophageal wall integrity.
What is the cause of Boerhaave syndrome?
- Associated with severe vomiting or retching,
- Leading to a sudden increase in intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressures.
- The increased pressure can cause a rupture in the weakened esophageal wall.
What are the risk factors of Boerhaave syndrome?
Oesophagitis, Barrett’s oesophagus, ulcers, stricture dilatation
What are the clinical features associated with Boerhaave syndrome?
- Mackler’s triad : Chest pain, vomiting, subcutaneous emphysema - ‘crunching sound’ over heart beat caused by mediastinal emphysema
- Severe vomiting
- Severe chest or abdominal pain localised to epigastric region or back pain,
- Tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, fever
Which investigations are indicated in Boerhaave syndrome?
- Diagnosis: Avoid endoscopy as this may worsen tear
- CXR : pleural effusion
- CT scan : oesophageal wall oedema, mediastinal widening, pneumothorax
Boerhaave syndrome : complications? (3)
- Chemical mediastinitis: gastric contents enter and contaminate the mediastinum
- Pleural effusion : can rupture the pleural cavity resulting in pleural effusion
- Sepsis.
What is the management of Boerhaave syndrome?
- V PPI
- Prophylactic antibiotics
- Surgical management
What is the definition of Oesenophillic oesophagitis?
Allergic reaction to ingested food - results in oesophageal inflammation