Result from dilated veins in the walls of the lower part of the esophagus and sometimes the upper part of the stomach.
are a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension.
Tests to visualize the varices include EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).
symptoms are
1) Vomiting
2) Vomiting blood
3) Black, tarry stools
4) Bloody stools
5) Decreased urine output
6) Symptoms of chronic liver disease (such as cirrhosis)

In hemochromatosis, the commonest mutation is C282Y. It is found in approximately 90% of cases.
The mutation is on chromosome 6, affecting the HFE gene.
There is an increased incidence in males.
The serum Fe is elevated (> 300 mg/dL).
The serum transferrin saturation is a sensitive parameter of increased Fe and merits evaluation when > 50%.
The serum ferritin is increased ferritin of >1000 μmol/l is suggestive (normal <200).> 2 mg/24 h) by the chelating drug deferoxamine (500 to 1000 mg IM based on the size of the patient), and this has been used as a diagnostic test.

Hepatitis A Virus is a picornavirus.
Hepatitis B Virus is a hepadnavirus.
Hepatitis C Virus is a flavivirus. It is a single-stranded RNA virus.
Hepatitis B
A positive anti-HBc (IgM) and HBsAg suggests acute infection.
When the infection resolves, HBsAg becomes negative and anti-HBc (IgG) is positive.
In patients who have been vaccinated, HBsAg is negative and anti-HBs is positive.
HbcAg is the first detectable antigen in acute infection but is also detectable in chronic infection.

Achalasia:
Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder. It is diagnosed when there is a complete lack of peristalsis within the body of the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter does not relax to allow food to enter the stomach. Symptoms are difficulty swallowing both liquids and solids. Many people also have associated regurgitation, vomiting, weight loss, and atypical chest discomfort.
Botulinum injections are most effective of all the options for relieving a lower oesophageal sphincter restriction which leads to achalasia. Nifedipine, nitrates or sildenafil can also be used, but are less effective. Surgically, Heller’s oesophageal myotomy is the best treatment option, it can be done via an abdominal incision or laparascopically.

PANCREATITIS
Coxsackie, mumps, ECHO and hepatitis viruses as well as hypothermia can cause acute pancreatitis.
The following are poor prognostic indicators in acute pancreatitis:
Calcium <> 15 Urea >16 ALT >200 PaO2 <8> Age > 55 years Glucose > 10
Chronic Pancreatitis
Cullen's sign (periumbilical discolouration) can be present Grey Turner's sign (flank discoloration) can be present Purtscher's retinopathy (ischaemic areas in the retina) can be present

Clotting of the hepatic vein, the major vein that leaves the liverIt occurs in 1 out of 100000 individuals and is more common in females.
Some 10-20% also have obstruction of the portal vein.Most patients have an underlying condition that predisposes to blood clotting10% have polycythemia vera10% of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome take birth control pills Polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndrome are the most frequent cause. Thrombophilic conditionsAntiphospholipid syndrome .Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in about 12 % of patients; PNH can also induce a VOD-like picture.Rarer causes include Behçets disease - often with involvement of the inferior vena cava , granulomatous idiopathic venulitis and hypereosinophilic syndrome . The latter two conditions may be steroid responsive. Occasionaly tumors such as atrial myxoma, Wilms tumor and cystic or alveolar echinococcosis can mimick BCS.Most Common Features is ascites, classical triad of ascites, abdominal pain and hepatomegaly.Treatment:

Colorectal carcinoma: is second most common cause of death from neoplastic diseases, with peak incidence in 60-79 years of age, and rare under the age of 40.
Risk factors:
High fat, high protein, low fibre diets
Presence of multiple sporadic adenomatous polyps

Cirrhosis: defined by three characteristics:
Fibrosis: delicate band or broad septa
Nodules: created by regeneration of hepatocytes
Disruption of parenchymal architecture of the entire liver

Tags: Cryptosporidium, Rota Virus, Toxins

Tags: Bacillus, Clostridium, Diarrhea, Dysentry