Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices are enlarged, swollen veins in the lower part of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. These veins develop when there is increased pressure in the blood vessels that supply the liver, often due to liver disease such as cirrhosis. The main health concern with esophageal varices is that they can rupture and cause serious bleeding. This bleeding can lead to symptoms like vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools. The condition affects the digestive system and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. People with esophageal varices often have underlying liver problems that need medical attention.

Esophageal varices are dilated submucosal veins in the lower esophagus that develop secondary to portal hypertension, most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver. The increased pressure in the portal venous system leads to the formation of collateral vessels to decompress the portal circulation, resulting in varices. These varices are prone to rupture due to their thin walls and high pressure, causing potentially massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Clinically, variceal bleeding presents with hematemesis and melena and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced liver disease. Diagnosis and management focus on preventing bleeding and controlling acute hemorrhage. The presence of esophageal varices indicates significant portal hypertension and advanced liver pathology.