Etymed
esophageal varices
Definition
Enlarged, twisted veins in the esophagus, typically caused by increased pressure in the portal vein system
Clinical context
A 52-year-old man with a history of alcoholic liver disease presents with hematemesis and melena. Endoscopy reveals enlarged, twisted veins in the esophagus. His portal venous pressure is elevated due to cirrhosis. He requires urgent endoscopic band ligation to control bleeding.
Mnemonic
Cirrhosis causes portal hypertension which leads to varices - remember 'Cirrhosis, Portal, Varices' in that order