Patient Education
Clinical Features of Variceal Bleed
Esophageal varices are abnormal, enlarged veins in the tube that connects the throat and stomach (esophagus). This condition occurs most often in people with serious liver diseases.
Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked by a clot or scar tissue in the liver (Cirrhosis of Liver). To go around the blockages, blood flows into smaller blood vessels that aren't designed to carry large volumes of blood. The vessels can leak blood or even rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding.
Vomiting large amounts of blood
Black, tarry or bloody stools
Lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness in severe cases
Your doctor might suspect esophageal varices if you have signs of liver disease, including: