Pathology Flashcards
(31 cards)
What causes reflux esophagitis?
Incontinence of the esophago-gastric valve leading to regurgitation of gastric acid into the esophagus
What is GERD?
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
What are common symptoms of GERD?
- Food regurgitation
- Heartburn
- Dysphagia
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Metaplasia where the stratified squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar or intestinal epithelium
What is the appearance of Barrett’s esophagus during endoscopic examination?
Single or multiple finger-like protrusions of columnar mucosa with salmon-pink coloration above the Z-line
What complication can arise from Barrett’s esophagus?
Adenocarcinoma
What is the process of malignant transformation in Barrett’s esophagus?
- Reflux esophagitis
- Columnar metaplasia
- Dysplasia (intra-epithelial neoplasia)
- Invasive cancer
What is the most common site for esophageal peptic ulcers?
Lower third of the esophagus
What is a significant cause of esophageal peptic ulcers?
Erosion of the mucosa by gastric acid secretion
What complications can arise from esophageal peptic ulcers?
- Bleeding
- Perforation
- Stenosis
Fill in the blank: Barrett’s esophagus is characterized by the transformation of the esophagus from _______ to columnar or intestinal epithelium.
stratified squamous epithelium
True or False: Dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus shows decreased mucus secretion and nuclear atypia.
True
What are the primary sites of peptic ulcers?
- Stomach
- First part of the duodenum
- Esophagus
- Jejunum after gastrojejunostomy
- Meckel’s diverticulum
These sites are commonly affected by peptic ulcers.
What age group is more commonly affected by peptic ulcers?
Adults
Peptic ulcers are more prevalent in adult life.
Which sex is more likely to develop peptic ulcers?
Males
Peptic ulcers are more common in males than females.
List three lifestyle factors that predispose to peptic ulcers.
- Spicy food
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol intake
These factors can irritate the gastric mucosa and increase the risk of ulceration.
What type of drugs can lead to peptic ulcers?
Salicylates, such as aspirin
These drugs can cause acute infection, ulceration, and bleeding.
What is the role of H. pylori in peptic ulcers?
It causes chronic gastritis that may lead to ulceration
H. pylori is a bacterium often found in patients with peptic ulcers.
What hormonal factor may increase the risk of peptic ulcers?
Low estrogen levels in postmenopausal females
Estrogen has a protective function on the gastric mucosa.
True or False: Psychological factors such as mental tension can contribute to the development of peptic ulcers.
True
Mental strain is known to be a risk factor for ulceration.
What is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
A condition characterized by tumors or hyperplasia of glucagon-secreting cells leading to ulceration
This syndrome results in excessive acid secretion in the stomach.