10 Questions
What are esophageal varices?
Enlarged vessels within the lumen of the lower esophagus that provide extrahepatic pathways of blood flow from the portal to the systemic circulation.
What is the risk if pressure in the lumen of a varix increases?
Esophageal varices enlarge and may spontaneously rupture, leading to bleeding, which may be massive.
What is the recommended procedure for assessing varices in patients with cirrhosis?
Upper endoscopy should be performed in all patients with cirrhosis to assess for varices.
How should small varices (5 mm) in patients with compensated cirrhosis be managed?
Initiate nonselective β-blocker therapy or endoscopic variceal ligation.
What should be the management approach for varices in patients with cirrhosis who are unable to tolerate β-blockers?
Endoscopic variceal ligation.
How are varices of the gastric fundus or isolated varices in other parts of the stomach generally treated?
They are generally not amenable to band ligation and are treated with hemodynamic resuscitation, antibiotic therapy, and octreotide.
What is the recommended treatment for isolated gastric varices occurring with splenic vein thrombosis?
Isolated gastric varices occurring with splenic vein thrombosis are treated with splenectomy.
What is portal hypertensive gastropathy and how is it treated?
Portal hypertensive gastropathy is the presence of dilated mucosal gastric veins and venules and is treated by focusing on the underlying portal hypertension.
What is the characteristic feature of gastric antral vascular ectasias in the setting of portal hypertension?
In the setting of portal hypertension, gastric antral vascular ectasias tend to be more diffuse than the classic linear pattern ('watermelon stomach').
Why are balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and endoscopic therapy such as argon plasma coagulation used for treating certain types of varices?
They are used to eradicate gastric varices via the systemic circulation and mucosal lesions in the distal stomach, respectively.
Test your knowledge about esophageal varices and their association with cirrhosis. Learn about the risk factors, complications, and treatment options for this condition.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
