Dysphagia, weight loss and heartburn

Jump to navigation Jump to search


Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ajay Gade MD[2]]

To review the wikidoc topic on dyspagia click here

Differential Diagnosis of Dysphagia, Weight loss and Heartburn

Disease Signs and Symptoms Barium esophagogram Endoscopy Other imaging and laboratory findings Gold Standard
Onset Dysphagia Weight loss Heartburn Other findings Mental status
Solids Liquids Type
Esophageal stricture Gradual or sudden + - Progressive +/- +/- Normal
  • Sacculations
  • Fixed transverse folds
  • Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticula   
Diffuse esophageal spasm Sudden + + Non progressive + + Normal
  • Nonperistaltic and nonpropulsive contractions
  • Corkscrew or rosary bead esophagus
  • Inconclusive
Systemic sclerosis Gradual + + Progressive +/- + Normal
  • Dysmotility
  • Peptic stricture (advanced cases)
Positive serology for
Esophageal carcinoma Gradual + + Progressive + +/- Normal
  • CT and PET scan is an optional test for staging of the disease
Stroke

(Cerebral hemorrhage)

Sudden + + Progressive + +/- Impaired
GERD Gradual or

sudden onset

+ - Progressive +/- + Normal