Esophageal varices
Esophageal varices are extremely dilated sub-mucosal veins in the lower third of the esophagus. They are most often a consequence of portal hypertension, commonly due to cirrhosis. People with esophageal varices have a strong tendency to develop severe bleeding which left untreated can be fatal. Esophageal varices are typically diagnosed through an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
| Esophageal varices | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Esophageal varix, oesophageal varices |
| Gastroscopy image of esophageal varices with prominent cherry-red spots and wale signs | |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology, Hematology, Hepatology (liver disease) |
| Symptoms | vomiting blood, passing black stool |
| Complications | Internal bleeding, hypovolemic shock, cardiac arrest |
| Causes | portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the portal vein and the associated blood vessels in the hepatic, or liver-based, circulation) |
| Diagnostic method | Endoscopy |
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