60. Oesophagus - anomalies - non-congenital disorders Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus because the lower oesophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly. This causes heartburn, irritation, and possible inflammation (oesophagitis).
What is Barrett’s oesophagus?
Barrett’s oesophagus happens when the normal squamous epithelium of the oesophagus changes into columnar epithelium (like stomach lining) due to long-term acid reflux. It increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.
What is oesophageal stricture?
An oesophageal stricture is a narrowing of the oesophagus, often due to scar tissue from chronic acid reflux, injury, or inflammation. It can cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
What is achalasia?
Achalasia is a disorder where the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to relax, and peristalsis is weak. This causes food to get stuck in the oesophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing and regurgitation.
What are oesophageal varices?
Oesophageal varices are swollen veins in the lower oesophagus caused by increased pressure in the portal vein (often from liver disease). They can bleed heavily if they rupture.
What is oesophageal carcinoma?
Oesophageal carcinoma is cancer of the oesophagus, often linked to smoking, alcohol, chronic reflux (leading to Barrett’s), or other irritants. Symptoms include progressive difficulty swallowing and weight loss.
What is oesophagitis?
Oesophagitis is inflammation of the oesophagus, commonly caused by acid reflux, infection (e.g. fungal or viral), or medication injury. Symptoms include painful swallowing and chest pain.
What is a Mallory-Weiss tear?
A Mallory-Weiss tear is a small tear in the mucosa of the lower oesophagus, usually caused by severe vomiting. It can cause bleeding and vomiting blood.
What is eosinophilic oesophagitis?
Eosinophilic oesophagitis is an allergic inflammatory condition where white blood cells (eosinophils) build up in the oesophagus, leading to swallowing difficulties and food getting stuck.
What is an oesophageal diverticulum?
An oesophageal diverticulum is a pouch that forms in the oesophageal wall, where food can get trapped. The most common type is Zenker’s diverticulum, near the upper oesophagus.
What is scleroderma oesophagus?
A condition where autoimmune disease (scleroderma) causes scarring and loss of muscle in the oesophagus, leading to weak peristalsis and reflux.
What is a Boerhaave syndrome?
A spontaneous rupture (full-thickness tear) of the oesophagus wall, usually after severe vomiting, causing chest pain, air under skin, and life-threatening infection.
What is an oesophageal web?
A thin membranous narrowing inside the oesophagus, causing intermittent swallowing difficulty (seen in Plummer-Vinson syndrome).
What is nutcracker oesophagus?
A motility disorder where the oesophagus has excessively strong contractions, leading to chest pain and painful swallowing (odynophagia).
What is diffuse oesophageal spasm?
A disorder with uncoordinated, simultaneous contractions of the oesophagus, causing chest pain and difficulty swallowing.
