Pathophys & tests for upper GI pathology Flashcards
H pylori serology
Infection elicits a local and systemic IgG-mediated immune response
ELISA and rapid office-based immunoassays
Serology is the test of choice when endoscopy is not indiated
90% sensitivity, specificity
-‘s: antibody titres can remain high for up to a year, cannot test for eradication
Urea breath test
Carbon-labeled urea
H. pylori can hydrolyze urea
sensitivity and specificity >95%
ingest urea labelled with either 14C or 13C - 13C requries mass spec, but 14C radiation
Urea metabolized to ammonia and labelled bicarb in the presence of H. pylori
Less expensive than endoscopy, samples the entire stomach
false-negatives can occur if the test is done too soon afte treatment, so test 4 weeks post-tx
best method to test for eradication
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Visualization and biopsy
Surgical procedure
Recommended with suspicious of esophagitis, but not required for every patient undergoing reflux evaluation
Method of choice for PUD
Biopsy from esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for histology and H. pylori
Hemostatic therapy
Barium X-ray (upper GI)
can often demonstrate peptic ulcers Radiation exposure lack of technicians visualize obstructions/strictures limited utility in modern practice
Esophageal manometry
assessment of LES pressure and relaxation, peristaltic activity (contraction amplitude, duration, and velocity
generally not indicated in evaluation of uncomplicated GERD because most have a normal resting LESP.
24h ambulatory pH monitoring
GERD
Indications:
- document excessive acid reflux in suspected GERD but withoud endoscopic esophagitis
- evaluate efficacy of surgical/medical therapy
Achalasia
Poorly relaxing LES without known cause
Diffuse esophageal spasm
normal peristalsis intermittently interrupted by simultaneous contractions with uncertain cause
Hypercontractile esophagus
Esophageal contraction pressure above normal (2SD)
“Nutcracker” esophagus when high pressure occurs in esophageal body and hypertensive LES when resting LES pressures are raised
Hypocontracting esophagus
non-specific motility disorders
motility tracings characterized by:
- low amplitude (<30 mmHg) peristalsis
- simultaneous contractions in distal esophagus
- failed peristalsis: wave does not transverse entire length of distal esophagus
Secondary esophageal motility abnormalities
abnormal motility patterns secondary to systemic disease
e.g. scleroderma, Chagas’ disease, Amyloidosis
GERD
transient relaxation of LES, allowing for spontaneous or stress (increased abdominal pressure) reflux
other causing factors:
- decreased clearance of acid from esophagus due to decreased peristalsis, or salivary secretion
- reduced resistance of esophageal mucosa to gastric content
- delayed gastric emptying
Risk factors for GERD
hiatal hernia pregnancy diabetes mellitus CT disorder obesity chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, high fat foods) NSAIDs, opioids, anticholinergics
Stress gastritis
stress-related mucosal erosions and subepithelial hemorrhages typically found in critically ill patients
Despite normal/decreased acid secretion
H. pylori gastritis
causes gastric mucosal inflammation with PMNs and lymphocytes despite not being invasive