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Extraesophageal varices
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 10, 1998
Summary
Extraesophageal varices, though less common than esophageal varices, can cause significant bleeding. Diagnosis and treatment require specific clinical suspicion and evaluation, especially in high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Esophageal varices are the primary cause of variceal bleeding.
- Extraesophageal varices account for up to 30% of variceal bleeding and can occur in various locations.
- These varices present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique features of extraesophageal varices.
- To discuss the diagnosis and management of bleeding from these varices.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic clues for extraesophageal varices.
- Discussion of management strategies for extraesophageal variceal bleeding.
Main Results:
- Absence of esophageal variceal stigmata and specific patient history suggest extraesophageal bleeding.
- Patients with extrahepatic portal hypertension, prior GI surgery, or severe bleeding without hematemesis require further evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Extraesophageal varices necessitate a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis.
- Timely and appropriate management is crucial for patients with extraesophageal variceal bleeding.