COMMON PRESENTATIONS IN GIT DISEASE

Clinical manifestations in GIT disorders depend on the site of pathology. While upper GIT lesions usually present with dysphagia, vomiting, epigastric/retrosternal pain or hematemesis; lower gut disorders manifest with diarrhea, abdominal pain, distension, mass, constipation or hematochazia.

TABLE 14.1: Common indications for GIT endoscopy

TABLE 14.2: Causes of dysphagia

Diagnostic visualization

• Unexplained dysphagia

• Unexplained hematemesis

• Suspected foreign body

• Suspected GER, esophageal varices, gastric ulcers

• Chronic diarrhea or malabsorption syndrome

Diagnostic procedures

• GIT biopsy

• Collection of GIT secretions

• ERCP studies[†††††]

Therapeutic interventions

• Sclerotherapy

• Foreign body removal

• Dilatation of anorectal malformations

• Colonic surgery, e.g. polyp removal

GER: Gastroesophageal reflux; ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography.

obscured in later stages and hence, the onset, duration and progression of complaints are highly informative in clinical diagnosis. This chapter deals with common clinical presentations of GIT disorders, excluding diarrhea discussed later in Ch 14.10.

14.4.1