Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A benign esophageal stricture, or peptic stricture, [1] is a narrowing or tightening of the esophagus that causes swallowing difficulties. Signs and symptoms [ edit ]
Focal, irregular and asymmetrical gastrointestinal wall thickening on CT scan suggests a malignancy. [9] Segmental or diffuse gastrointestinal wall thickening is most often due to ischemic, inflammatory or infectious disease. [9] Though less common, medications such as ACE inhibitors can cause angioedema and small bowel thickening. [10]
Esophageal endoscopic ultrasound can provide staging information regarding the level of tumor invasion, and possible spread to regional lymph nodes. The location of the tumor is generally measured by the distance from the teeth. The esophagus (25 cm or 10 in long) is commonly divided into three parts for purposes of determining the location.
Thickening of the gastric folds may be observed by endoscopy or radiography and may aid in the differential diagnosis of many disease processes including: [3] Gastritis The folds become very thick due to inflammation. [7] Peptic ulcer disease Ulcers cause breaks in the mucosa and cause erosion of the sub-mucosa. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with reflux esophagitis is treated with proton pump inhibitors. Esophageal rings or strictures may be treated with esophageal dilation. Simple observation may be considered, [5] especially if symptoms are minimal or absent. If symptoms are severe or persistent, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM ...
Barrett's esophagus is the dominant pre-malignant lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma, [18] and has prevalent epigenetic alterations. [19] Esophageal squamous-cell carcinomas may occur as second primary tumors associated with head and neck cancer, due to field cancerization (i.e. a regional reaction to long-term carcinogenic exposure).
Barium X-ray examinations are useful tools for the study of appearance and function of the parts of the gastrointestinal tract. They are used to diagnose and monitor esophageal reflux, dysphagia, hiatus hernia, strictures, diverticula, pyloric stenosis, gastritis, enteritis, volvulus, varices, ulcers, tumors, and gastrointestinal dysmotility, as well as to detect foreign bodies.
Esophageal manometry is not recommended for use in the diagnosis, being recommended only prior to surgery. [42] Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring may be useful in those who do not improve after PPIs and is not needed in those in whom Barrett's esophagus is seen. [42] Investigation for H. pylori is not usually needed. [42]