Esophageal VaricesHow to Say It: ee-sof-uh-jeel var-i-seez
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionEsophageal varices are abnormally swollen veins in the lining of the tube (esophagus) that goes from the mouth to the stomach.
CausesPortal hypertension is when pressure builds in the veins that bring blood to the liver. The pressure causes blood to back up into other smaller blood vessels, such as those found in the esophagus. This leads to varices. This may happen due to:
Risk FactorsThings that raise the risk of this problem are:
SymptomsA person may not have problems until bleeding starts. Bleeding may not be serious. It may also stop on its own. Signs of bleeding are:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical may be done. The esophagus may need to be viewed. This can be done with:
TreatmentThe goal is to prevent or stop varices from bleeding. Choices are: MedicinesMedicines may be given to lower blood pressure or cholesterol. This will help lower the risk of bleeding or slow any bleeding that is happening ProceduresProcedures may be done, such as:
A liver transplant is the only way to completely cure esophageal varices. PreventionThere are no known guidelines to lower the risk of this problem. RESOURCES:American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy https://www.asge.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Canadian Liver Foundation https://www.liver.ca References:de Franchis R, Baveno VI Faculty. Expanding consensus in portal hypertension: Report of the Baveno VI Consensus Workshop: Stratifying risk and individualizing care for portal hypertension. J Hepatol. 2015 Sep;63(3):743-752.
Esophageal varices. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/esophageal-varices. Accessed October 21, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 5/18/2021 |
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