Bleeding esophageal varices

Definition:

A bleeding condition resulting from dilated veins in the walls of the lower part of the esophagus and, sometimes, the upper part of the stomach.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Bleeding varices are a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the portal vein caused by liver disease). Increased pressure causes the veins to balloon outward. The vessels may rupture, causing vomiting of blood and tarry black stools. If a large volume of blood is lost, signs of shock will develop. Chronic alcohol abuse, liver disease, biliary atresia and portal hypertension are risk factors. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people.