Isolated duodenal varices as a cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding

Portal hypertension and the development of varices in areas of portosystemic venous anastomoses can lead to dramatic and life-threatening haemorrhage. Varices most commonly occur in the gastro-oesophageal region but ectopic varices can arise at other sites in the gastrointestinal tract. This report describes a patient with massive haemorrhage from duodenal varices. We believe the case highlights the importance of considering ectopic varices as a cause of gastro-intestinal haemorrhage especially when oesophageal varices are absent.