Duodenal varices

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding from isolated duodenal varices is a rare occurrence. We report the case of a patient with idiopathic duodenal varices in whom the diagnosis was established preoperatively by endoscopy. The patient did not have esophageal varices or portal hypertension, and he was treated by exicising the varix with a full thickness of duodenal wall. Bleeding has not recurred. Duodenal varices as well as duodenal ulcer and gastritis must be considered in evaluating a patient with cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.