PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common causative agent for shallow esophageal ulcers?

1. Viral infection

2. Bacterial infection

3. Long-term NSAID use

4. Excessive caffeine

The correct answer is: Long-term NSAID use

Shallow esophageal ulcers are often associated with certain conditions that compromise the integrity of the esophageal lining. Long-term NSAID use is a well-recognized cause of such ulcers because NSAIDs can inhibit the production of protective mucosal factors, thereby increasing the risk of mucosal injury. As these drugs can disrupt the normal healing process and promote erosion of the esophagus, the incidence of shallow ulcers in the esophagus tends to rise in individuals using these medications over a prolonged period. While other factors such as viral infections may lead to ulcers, the question specifically asks for a common causative agent. NSAIDs are significantly more frequently implicated in the development of superficial esophageal lesions due to their widespread use and the well-documented association with mucosal damage. In contrast, although excessive caffeine can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, its role in causing specific shallow ulcers is not as pronounced or conventional as that of long-term NSAID use.