Pathology of the esophagus and stomach Flashcards
What typically is weakened and ultimately lead to an esophageal diverticula?
The vessels, which occur at an area of weakness in the musculature of the esophagus
What is the most common location for a esophageal diverticula?
Killian’s triangle, directly behind the cricoid cartilage
What is Zenker’s esophageal diverticula?
A weakness/outpouching of mucosa through Killian’s Triangle
At what pressure does your risk for esophageal varices develop?
> 5mmHg
Is the venous system a high or low-pressure system?
Low-pressure, which is why it is more susceptible to varacies
What is the most common cause of increased pressure leading to esophageal varacies?
Sinusoidal Varacies
*m/c due to cirrhosis
Where are esophageal varacies most common?
Distal esophagus
What structure determines an upper GI bleed from lower GI bleed?
Ligament of Treitz
What is the pH of the stomach?
2.0
What is acid is increased in gastroesophageal reflux?
HCl
What are the risk factors for GERD?
-ETOH
-Caffeine
-Smoking
-Hernia
-Increased gastric pressures
-NSAIDs
How is H. pylori transmitted?
Fecal-oral
What are Mallary-Weiss tears?
Longitudinal tear through mucosal layer of the esophagus –> vascular plexus between the layers begins to bleed
What is a hiatal hernia?
Herniation of upper stomach through diaphragm
What are the causes of hiatal hernia?
- Short esophagus
- Fibrosis
- Diaphragm pathology
