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Oesphageal Problems |
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From its origin at the cricoid cartilage to
its termination at the oesophagogastric junction,
the oesophagus is normally lined by stratified non-keratinizing squamous
epithelium.
The oesophageal wall contains both striated muscle (in its upper portion) and
smooth muscle
(in the lower portion).
A competent lower oesophageal sphincter is essential to
prevent the reflux of
gastric contents back into the oesophagus.
Reflux oesophagitis is the most common abnormality of the oesophagus encountered
by the family practitioner.
Reflux of gastric acid into the lower oesophagus produces a burning pain in the
centre of the
lower chest or hypochondrium, commonly known as heartburn. Predisposing factors
to acid reflux
include those that increase intra-abdominal pressure, e.g. over-eating,
pregnancy, and poor
posture; and those that render the lower oesophageal sphincter lax or
incompetent, e.g. hiatus hernia,
smoking, and alcohol ingestion.
The normal squamous epithelium of the lower oesophagus is sensitive to the
effects of the
acid and is frequently damaged.
Several complications may arise:
• Reflux oesophagitis. The oesophageal mucosa becomes acutely inflamed.
• Peptic ulceration of lower oesophagus. Small ulcers usually develop, which
become chronic, with fibrosis.
• Lower oesophageal stricture. Chronic peptic ulceration causes progressive
fibrous thickening of the
lower oesophagus wall. The resultant narrowing causes difficulty in swallowing.
• Barrett's oesophagus. Persistent oesophageal reflux causes metaplasia
of the lower oesophageal mucosa, the squamous epithelium being replaced by
glandular epithelium
composed of tall columnar cells
This is also termed columnar epithelial-lined oesophagus (CELO).
Barrett's oesophagus
Barrett's oesophagus predisposes to the development of adenocarcinoma
Barrett's oesophagus can progress from metaplastic glandular epithelium to
epithelial
dysplasia (with nuclear pleomorphism and hyperchromicity), and then to frank
adenocarcinoma.
Patients with Barrett's oesophagus are kept under surveillance through repeated
endoscopy
and biopsy to detect early neoplastic changes.
Treatment by oesophageal surgery is then possible before development of
invasion.
The lower oesophageal mucosa is replaced by darker columnar epithelium, with an
area of ulceration
at the oesophagogastric junction. The arrow marks the abnormally high
squamocolumnar junction.
Any oesophageal obstruction causes difficulty In swallowing, known as dysphagia
Four main types of lesion cause obstruction:
• Lesions in the lumen. Swallowed foreign bodies.
• Lesions in the wall. Neoplasm or carcinoma of the oesophagus, fibrosis caused
by chronic inflammation.
• Lesions outside the wall.
• Lesions affecting function. Achalasia, motor neuron disease
Oesophageal obstruction may be complicated by reflux of food into the airways,
resulting in
aspiration pneumonia, and by malnutrition due to the inability to maintain
adequate intake.
Achalasia
Achalasia of the oesophagus is due to abnormal innervation
In achalasia, lack of co-ordinated muscle contraction and relaxation at the
lower end
of the oesophagus leads to retention of the food bolus, the result of
peristaltic spasms
combined with sluggish relaxation at the oesophagogastric sphincter. The
condition
is mainly seen in middle age.
Over a period of time the oesophagus becomes markedly dilated (megaoesophagus).
Its cause is unknown, but reduced numbers of ganglion cells in the muscle plexus
have been
noted in long-standing cases. This condition also predisposes to development of
carcinoma of the oesophagus. |
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We give here simplified and accurate information about the disease
Info@somalidoc.com |
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