Lab 6&7 Gastrointestinal Pathologies Flashcards
(149 cards)
What is an Achalasia?
“failure to relax” lower esophageal sphincter
What is an Esophageal Web/Ring?
concentric, smooth, thin (3-5mm) extension of normal esophageal tiss. into lumen (all 3 layers)
What pathology is the loss/absence of ganglion cells in the esophageal myenteric plexus assocaited with?
Achalasia
what features are visualized on a barium swallow for Achalasia?
- megaesophagus: widened esophagus: absent peristalsis = food retention
- “birds beak”/”rat tail” deformity: tonic contraction of pyloric sphincter
what are the clinical features of an Achalasia?
- odynophagia (pain swallowing)
- regurgitation (tends after meals
what is the etiology of an Esophageal Web/Ring?
often idiopathic, but predisposing factors include:
- Plummer-Vinson Syndrome: severe iron deficiency
- autoimmune/inflammatory disorders
what is the preferential location of Esophageal Rings?
usually distal esophagus (but anywhere along esophagus)
what diet is prescribed to those with an Esophageal Web?
gradullay convert to semi-solid, followed by liquid diets
what are the clinical features of an Esophageal Ring?
- asymptomatic
- Intermintent dysphagia
What condition may be visualized on a upper GI biopsy sample in a patient with chronic heartburn?
Barrett Esophagus
what is the normal epithelia of the esophagus?
stratified squamous
what gross characteristics would be visualized at the gastro-esophageal jct. in a patient with Barrett Esophagus?
columnar epithelium creeps upward above the GE jct. (normally a straight line)
what is Barrett Esophagus? what are the cellular events?
columnar metaplasia of the esophagus:
- stratified squamous epithelium replaced w/ simple columnar epithelium w/ goblet cells
what is the etiology of Barrett Esophagus?
gastroesophageal reflux
why is treatment of Barrett Esophagus important?
it’s a risk factor for Adenocarcinoma
what cellular events occur in Barrett Esophagus as GERD continues?
dysplastic cell changes:
- decrease goblet cells
- ^hyperchromatic cells
- hyperplasia
what histological feature is indicative of the malignant transformation of Barrett Esophagus into frank Adenocarcinoma?
invasive glands deep to basement membrane (“fern-leaf” glandular pattern)
what is a potentially disastrous complication of ^portal venous hypertension?
Esophageal Varices
what is the gross view of Esophageal Varices?
dilated veins on the external surface of the esophagus
massively dilated veins often accompany what pathology?
Liver Cirrhosis
what is the etiology of portal vein hypertension?
Hepatic Cirrhosis (alcoholism)
what is the pathogenesis of Chronic Hepatic Cirrhosis?
alcoholism -> hemochromatosis (build up iron) -> extensive scarring
what is a clinical feature of Esophageal Varices?
massive hematemesis (vomit blood)
why does massive hematemesis create a high mortality statistic for Esophageal Varices?
- high % develop fatal bleed = Hypovolemic shock
- those who survive often re-bleed w/in 1 yr w/ same mortality rate