5-Minute Clinical Consult: Esophageal Varices

Esophageal Varices

Description

Dilated collateral veins in the lamina propria of the distal esophagus connecting the portal and systemic circulations
Results from chronic hypertension in the portal circulation due to increased resistance to blood flow
Increased pressure and turbulent flow within these vessels as well as their superficial location in the distal esophagus make them prone to rupture with significant morbidity and mortality

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