Pathology: Esophagus Flashcards
What is Plummer-Vinson syndrome?
Dysphagia due to webs and anemia due to iron deficiency. Commonly seen in post-menopausal women. Patients present with fatigue, cheilosis, glossitis. May progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
What is a Schatzki Ring?
Web in the esophagus that can lead to dysphagia usually associated with solid food. Steakhouse syndrome.
What is primary achalasia?
Aperistalsis and contracted esophageal sphincter due to dysfunction of inhibitory neurotransmitters VIP and NO.
Common pathogen that can cause primary achalasia.
T. cruzi (chagas disease)
What is a Zenker pouch?
Diverticula of the upper esophagus in the posterior portion of the UES. Usually due to spasm of the cricopharyngeus muscle.
What is Mallory Weiss syndrome and a common cause?
Tears and bleeding from the mucosa of the distal esophagus near the LES. Alcoholics are prone to these tears.
What is Boerhaave Syndrome?
Complete rupture of the esophageal wall. Can lead to pleural effusion.
Most common cause of esophageal varices.
Liver cirrhosis leading to portal hypertension.
What is Barrett Esophagus?
Metaplasia of esophageal tissue from stratified squamous to simple columnar due to chronic uncontrolled GERD. Problematic when it becomes dysplastic and possible neoplastic.
Most common type of US esophageal malignancy.
Adenocarcinoma (glandular)
Most common type of US benign esophageal growth.
Leiomyoma (smooth muscle tumor)
