Gastroenterology

A 28-year-old man reports pain on swallowing of a week's duration. He is otherwise in good health. Upper endoscopy and tissue biopsy reveal the cause. What do you see?

The most frequently encountered cause of infection of the esophagus is Candida. Among viral causes HSV is the most common, followed by CMV.

A new tender lesion in a man with T2 diabetes; hypertension and gout; TMJ osteochondroma . . . your answers to questions on these and other maladies?

Think you know everything about peptic ulcer disease? Find out here, with concepts, cases, and sample questions based on the author's recent attendance at the Internal Medicine Board Review at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

For carcinoid tumors of the GI tract, the rate of metastasis is related to size. Small tumors may be resected endoscopically but lesions 1 cm or larger require surgical resection.

Many caveats govern the management of hepatitis B during pregnancy. Do you know which antiviral drugs are classified as pregnancy category B?

No gallstones were found on RUQ ultrasound in this 45-year-old patient, but a polyp was seen. How would you proceed?

Some patients with upper GI bleeding can be sent home after endoscopy; others require extended treatment and inpatient observation.

This patient's presentation also included a pruritic rash around the nasolabial region and inguinal folds. What type of deficiency would you test for?

Here: a close-up look at one cause of upper GI bleeds, as well as bezoars, stromal tumor, appendicolith, and Kaposi sarcoma.

These symptoms may seem unrelated but are actually classic for a vitamin deficiency. Do you know which one?

Ischemic colitis; eosinophilic esophagitis; Crohn disease; necrotizing pancreatitis; diverticulosis: close-up looks and helpful tips here.

Crohn disease patients with short gut syndrome may require total parenteral nutrition to replace nutrients no longer absorbed. But the supplementation has its risks. Can you name the source of the symptoms in this case?

Have you heard of FODMAPS? Here: questions about these carbohydrates and also on onychomycosis and other lumps and bumps.

Professional societies differ somewhat in their recommendations for when the benefits of annual screening reach an end. Two groups, however, are on the same page.

What would you suspect as the source in a woman 32 years of age?

Results of upper and lower endoscopy are inconclusive. Your next step?

New study data suggest that routine placement of such a tube is not helpful in patients with upper GI bleeding.

Does sleep improve in asymptomatic patients with GERD when their reflux is treated aggressively? Researchers at Digestive Disease Week 2014 offered an answer.

An oral capsule that vibrates as it moves through the digestive tract may become a unique nonpharmacological treatment for chronic constipation.

Studies confirm that this proton pump inhibitor in patients taking low-dose aspirin or NSAIDs is highly effective in preventing upper GI ulcers or bleeding.

Two studies presented at Digestive Disease Week 2014 found that probiotics, when added to standard triple therapy, enhance cure rate and may reduce treatment side effects and disease symptoms.

A multicenter, 1090-patient, retrospective, 20-year study of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease produced surprising results.

Surgical techniques to remove precancerous polyps during colonoscopies can substantially reduce recovery time and the length of hospital stays, a new study shows.

A retrospective study presented at Digestive Disease Week 2014 suggests that bariatric surgery could be viable first-line therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

A new study points to the need to revise the current standard of care for patients with bleeding ulcers. Intermittent proton pump therapy is an equally safe, less costly, more comfortable alternative for patients than standard care.

This 42-year-old woman lost 100 lb during the year after gastric bypass surgery. Now, she is diagnosed as having an ulcer. What might be the cause of the lesion?

Fear of dining outside the home brings this patient to see you. What's the best diagnostic tool?

Constipation-related straining may be the cause of the lesion. How would you proceed?

Domperidone is better tolerated by some patients than metoclopramide. Before a switch, however, this test must be performed.