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Bleeding Esophageal Varices
DefinitionBleeding esophageal varices result from dilated veins in the walls of the lower part of the esophagus and sometimes the upper part of the stomach.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Bleeding varices are a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the portal vein caused by liver disease). Increased pressure causes the veins to balloon outward. The vessels may rupture, causing vomiting of blood and bloody stools or tarry black stools. If a large volume of blood is lost, signs of shock will develop. Any cause of chronic liver disease can cause bleeding varices.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cirrhosis
• Esophageal Stricture - Benign
• Hypovolemic Shock
• Liver Disease
Tests & Exams
• ADH
• EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Other Topics
• Acute
• Bleeding
• Blood Pressure - Low
• Bloody or Tarry Stools
• Endoscope
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Paleness
• Pulse - Bounding
• Shock
• Systemic
• Thirst - Excessive
• Urine Output - Decreased
• Vomiting Blood
Review Date : 5/5/2002
Reviewed By : Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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