Topic: Gastrointestinal (GI) and Hepatobiliary Disorders
Learning Objectives:
• Analyze the pathophysiology of upper and lower GI disorders.
• Examine liver and biliary conditions such as cirrhosis and cholecystitis.
• Understand clinical manifestations of GI bleeding.
• Evaluate labs and diagnostic findings (e.g., LFTs, bilirubin, amylase).
Key Concepts Summary:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Caused by relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
• Acid reflux → mucosal damage → esophagitis.
• Symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, worsens after meals.
• Risk factors: obesity, smoking, hiatal hernia.
2. Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
• Breakdown of mucosal barrier in stomach/duodenum.
• Caused by H. pylori and NSAIDs.
• Duodenal ulcers: pain relieved by food.
• Gastric ulcers: pain worsens with food.
3. Crohn’s Disease
• Inflammation of any part of GI tract (mouth to anus); mostly terminal ileum.
• Transmural inflammation, skip lesions, fistulae.
• Symptoms: diarrhea, cramping, weight loss.
• Cobblestone appearance on endoscopy.
4. Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
• Affects colon and rectum only.
• Continuous mucosal inflammation.
• Bloody diarrhea, urgency, abdominal pain.
• High risk of colon cancer.