dysphagia Flashcards
what is dysphagia ?
difficulty in swallowing
what is the term used to describe pain upon swallowing ?
odynophagia
what are the general causes of dysphagia divided into ?
intraluminal
intramural
extraluminal
what are the intraluminal causes of dysphagia ?
foreign body
esophageal cancer or pharyngeal cancer
plummer vinson syndrome
what is plummer vinson syndrome ?
long standing iron deficiency anemia characterized by
Dysphagia
Iron deficiency anemia
Glossitis
Squamous cell carcinoma ( at an increased risk )
other manifestation : achlorhydria, koilonychia, angular stomatitis
what is the treatment for plummer vinson syndrome ?
correction of anemia
repeated dilatation and regular follow up
what are the intramural causes of dysphagia ?
motility problems
motor neuron disease / MS
CVS
pharyngeal pouch
Achalasia
esophageal spasm
benign/malignant stricture
Candidiasis
what is the otheer name for a pharyngeal pouch ?
zenker’s diverticulum
where is zenker’s diverticulum located anatomically ?
herniation of the oesophageal mucosa between the cricopharyngeus muscle and the inferior pharyngeal constrictor
what are the causes of the formation of a pharyngeal pouch ?
incomplete relaxation of the cricopharyngeus muscles
abnormal timing of deglutition
what is the presentation of zenker’s diverticulum ?
unilateral neck swelling (usually on the left side)
halitosis
regurgitation of undigested food
aspiration
dysphagia
what is seen on barium swallow in cases of zenker’s diverticulum ?
retort shaped smooth swelling
what is the treatment of choice in zenker’s diverticulum?
surgical excision
what iis the pathophysiology behind achalasia ?
failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter
what is the clinical picture of a patient with achalasia ?
dysphagia
regurgitation of undigested food
chest pain after meals
