Duodenal varices in extrahepatic portal obstruction

Duodenal varices were angiographically demonstrated in 18 cases of extrahepatic obstruction of the portal vein or obstruction of the splenic vein. In 11 cases, barium examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed prominent filling defects in the duodenal bulb and the duodenal sweep. These abnormalities share common characteristics and differ in their appearance from more commonly diagnosed duodenal lesions; their demonstration should raise the suspicion of extrahepatic portal or splenic vein obstruction, which may be verified by angiography.