The GI Tract Flashcards
What characterizes Achalasia?
The failure of the LES to relax in response to swallowing
The absence of peristalsis in the body of the esophagus
Dilated esophagus (depletion of ganglion cells in myenteric plexuses)
How does a ring differ from a web?
webs are thin mucosal membranses that project into the lumen of the esophagus. Rings are thicker and contain smooth muscle
What are complications of Pummer-Visnon Syndrome?
P-V Syndrome (web, lesions, anemia) complications include: Carcinoma of the Oropharynx and Upper Esophagus
What’s most common GI complication of Scleroderma?
Esophageal dysfunction. LES especially is impaired so that the lower esophagus and upper stomach are no longer distinct functional entities.
Some patients may have a lack of peristalsis in the entire esophagus.
Where is the defect in a paraespophageal hiatal hernia?
It is in the diaphragmatic connective tissue membrane that defines the esophageal hiatus
What are symptoms of hiatal hernia? why?
Heartburn andd Regurgitation because of the reflux of gastric contents (due to LES incompetence; also symptoms are exacerbated when patient is recumbent)
What are the complications of large hiatal hernias?
Gastric Volvulus
Intrathoracic Gastric Dilation
Describe an Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
1) Symptoms
2) Groth pattern
- Symptoms: Dysphagia, pain, occasionally bleeding
- They tend to grow into the lumen of the esophagus. The affected region of the esophagus is typically indurated and ulcerated, (causing plain and bleeding)
What are the risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus?
Chronic Alcoholism Tobacco Use Diets lacking fresh fruits Aniline Dye Exposure Chronic Esophagitis Congenital disorders of the esophagus (ex. Plummer-Vinson Syndrome)
In Candida Esophagitis, what are the pseudomembranes composed of ?
Fungal mycelia
Fibrin
Necrotic Debris
In Candida Esophagitis, what are the complications? symptoms?
Involvement of deeper layers of the esophageal wall can lead to disseminated candidiasis, as well as fibrosis, which is sometimes severe enough to create esophageal stricture
Symptoms include dysphagia and odynophagia (pain on swallowing)
What is a key feature of herpetic esophagitis?
Mucosal vesicles
When and where do esopohageal varices most often occur?
Where: beneath the mucosa, lower third of the esophagus
When: Most often in the setting of portal HTN , secondary to cirrhosis
What is the key feature in the pathogenesis of Acute Hemorrhagic Gastritis?
The breakdown of the mucosal barrier, which permits acid-induced injury. Mucosal injury causes bleeding from superficial erosions.
What are some more sever complications of Acute Hemorrhagic Gastritis?
Defects in the mucosa may extend in to the deeper tissues to form an ulcer.
the necrosis is accompanied by an acute inflammatory response and hemorrhage, which may be severe enough to result in exsanguination and hypovolemic shock.
What substances when ingested are associated with Acute ersoive gastritis?
Aspirin
NSAIDs
Alcohol
Ischemic Injury
What are features of Autoimmune Gastritis?
Chronic Diffuse Atrophic Gastritis
Antibodies to PARIETAL CELLS
Antibodies to Intrinsic Factor
(Immunological Destruction leads to interfernce of B12 absorption and Pernicious Anemia : Megaloblastic cells- asynchrous maturation between nucles and cytoplasm of Bone Marrow precursors)
G- cell Hyperplasia (leading to Increased serum gastrin )
What is the most common gastritis and what are the associated risks?
H. Pylori Gastritis (chronic inflammation of stomach antrum and body)
It is a Risk factor for GASTRIC ADENOCARCINOMA and LYMPHOMA
How does a Peptic Ulcer look?
Punched out
Rounded
Hemmorrhagic (if erosion through arteries cause bleeding and iron-deficieny anemia)
What characterizes Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome?
Unrelenting Peptic Ulceration (stomach, duodenum, or proximal jejunum) by the action of tumor-derived gastrin by a Gastrinoma.
What are the most frequent presenting symptoms of a adenocarcinoma of the stomach?
Weight loss, associated with nausea and anorexia usually
Many patients complain of epigastric pain- a symptom that mimics benign gastric ulcer disease, and is often relieved by antacids or H2 receptor antagonists
Describe a gastric cancer on gross examination
Polypoid or Fungating or Ulcerated Mass
or Diffuse infiltration of the stomach wall
How does linitis plastica develop?
The diffuse adenocarcinoma tumor cells induce extensive fibrosis in the submucosa and muscularis of the cell wall.
Poor prognosis!
Why are signet ring cells named so?
Intracellular mucin displaces the nuclei to the periphery of the tumor cells