Bleeding esophageal varices

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Digestive system

Liver blood supply

Bleeding esophageal varices result from dilated (wider than normal) veins in the walls of the lower part of the esophagus and sometimes the upper part of the stomach.

Bleeding varices are a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the portal vein caused by liver disease). The portal vein carries blood from the intestine to the liver. Increased pressure causes the veins to balloon outward. The vessels may rupture, causing vomiting of blood and bloody stools or tarry black stools. If a large volume of blood is lost, signs of shock will develop. Any cause of chronic liver disease can cause bleeding varices.

Review Date: 05/04/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.