Differentials
Oesophagitis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
None.
INVESTIGATIONS
Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy will show no Barrett's oesophagus findings on biopsy.
GORD
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
None.
INVESTIGATIONS
Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy will show no Barrett's oesophagus findings on biopsy.
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
May have none, or may have constitutional signs such as involuntary weight loss, low energy, and lymphadenopathy.
INVESTIGATIONS
Biopsy reveals adenocarcinoma.
Gastritis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Patient may have a history of chronic or frequent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use.
Mild epigastric tenderness is common.
INVESTIGATIONS
Upper GI endoscopy commonly shows no mucosal changes in the distal oesophagus. Oesophagitis may occur in patients with gastritis, due to hyper-secretion of gastric acid, in which case treatment with acid-suppressive agents is indicated. A repeat endoscopy may be indicated a few months later to evaluate the oesophagitis, and to obtain biopsies to rule out Barrett's oesophagus.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer