Esophageal Varices
| Overview |
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- Esophageal Varices refer to abnormal dilations of veins within the esophagus and are most often observed in the context of cirrhosis.
| Morphology |
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- Tortuous, dilated veins can be observed in the esophageal submucosa. The overlying esophageal mucosa often protrudes into esophageal lumen, further weakening it.
| Etiology |
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- Vasculature of the upper stomach and esophagus is one of the portal-systemic junctions where the portal veins and systemic venous systems anastamose. When portal hypertension develops, blood is redirected through these portal-systemic junctions, resulting in chronically increased pressure within these veins and ultimately their dilation.
| Clinical Consequences |
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- Sadly, esophageal varices are largely asymptomatic until their rupture, resulting in catastrophic upper GI bleeding that can be fatal.