film reading

Question 1

common pathology for barium/contrast swallow

Answer 1

• zenker’s diverticulum
• achalasia
• esophageal atresia + tracheo-esophageal fistula
• carcinoma
• esophageal varices

Question 2

how is the appearance of a normal pharynx

Answer 2

• alternating lines appearance
• vallecula epiglottica
• piriform recess

Question 3

what is zenker’s diverticulum

Answer 3

• diverticulum of the mucosa of the pharynx
• aka pharyngoesophageal diverticulum

Question 4

what is achalasia

Answer 4

• disorder of the esophagus that prevents normal swallowing
• normally, peristalsis causes esophageal sphincter to relax
• problem is the lower esophageal sphincter unable to relax

Question 5

causes of achalasia

Answer 5

• congenital
• acquired

Question 6

symptoms of achalasia

Answer 6

• dysphagia
• the person has chest pain that is often mistaken for angina pectoris (cardiac pain)
• night time cough or recurrent pneumonia caused by food accidentally passing into lower airways