Gastrointestinal Disorders and Conditions

These flashcards contain vocabulary related to gastrointestinal disorders and their pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatments.

Acute Pancreatitis

Condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, often due to leakage of pancreatic enzymes into the interstitial space, leading to edema and inflammation.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often due to alcohol consumption, resulting in irreversible loss of pancreatic cell function.

Cullen’s sign

Superficial edema and bruising around the umbilicus, indicative of severe abdominal conditions such as necrotizing pancreatitis.

Grey-Turner sign

Bruising of the flanks, suggesting retroperitoneal bleeding or severe pancreatitis.

Courvoisier’s sign

Palpable gallbladder in the presence of painless jaundice, associated with biliary obstruction.

Diverticulosis

Presence of diverticula in the colon, often asymptomatic until complications arise.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon, presenting with symptoms such as LLQ pain and fever.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without structural abnormalities.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, leading to damage of the small intestine and malabsorption.

Clostridium difficile

A bacterium that causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea, leading to pseudomembranous colitis.

Mesenteric Ischemia

Acute hypoperfusion of the intestines due to arterial or venous occlusion, resulting in severe abdominal pain.

Volvulus

Twisting of the bowel that can lead to obstruction and ischemia.

Toxic Megacolon

Severe colonic dilation and potential for colonic perforation, often seen in conditions like ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Adenomatous Polyps

Benign growths in the colon that may undergo dysplastic changes and become precursors to colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

A malignant tumor arising from the colon or rectum, often presenting with changes in bowel habits and potential blood in stool.

Anal Fissure

A tear in the anal mucosa, commonly causing severe pain during defecation.

Anal Fistula

An abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin, often associated with infection or abscess.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the anal area that can cause bleeding, discomfort, and pruritus.