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Common dysphagia exam questions for medical finals, OSCEs and MRCP PACES

 

Question 1. Red flags in dysphagia

Which red flag symptoms would make you think of a malignant cause?

  • Progressive (painful) dysphagia to solids and then liquids with associated constitutional symptoms

Question 2. Radiology in dysphagia

What is the characteristic finding on barium swallow in achalasia?

  • ‘Bird-beak sign’ – tapering of the distal end of the oesophagus