Medical Terminology & Case Study Notes

Gastroenterologist: A branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and related organs.
Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus. Can be caused by various factors, including strep or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach, often caused by stomach acid or Helicobacter pylori infection.
Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver.
Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder (chole- refers to the gallbladder).
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
Enteritis: Inflammation of the small intestine.
Colitis: Inflammation of the colon.
Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum, which can be external or internal, caused by constipation, straining, or weight gain during pregnancy.
Proctoscopy: A procedure to look inside the rectum with an instrument that includes a light and sometimes a mirror.

Mr. Smith, a 50-year-old male, presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
He has a history of chronic alcohol use.
The pain is located in his upper abdomen and radiates to his back.

Pancreatitis: Suspected diagnosis based on symptoms and history.
Emesis: Medical term for vomiting.
Epigastric: Location of pain in the upper abdomen, above the belly button.
Left Upper Quadrant: Possible location of the pancreas, given its position behind the stomach.
Gastralgia: Medical term for stomach pain.
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach, potentially related.
Alcohol Use Disorder: Medical terminology for chronic alcohol use.
Flank Pain: Abdominal pain that radiates to the back.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for elevated white blood cells (infection/inflammation), hematocrit/hemoglobin (bleeding), and clotting ability.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs): To assess liver enzyme levels and overall liver function, including its role in clotting.
Abdominal Ultrasound: To check for bleeding, fluid accumulation, and the size/appearance of the pancreas.
CAT Scan of Abdomen: To rule out bowel obstruction.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): A dye study specific to the pancreas (though the exact name may be "Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography").