oesophageal varices

Question 1

what are oesophageal varices?

Answer 1

collateral blood vessels that occur in the wall of the oesophagus as a result of portal hypertension

Question 2

3 causes of oesophageal varices?

Answer 2

1. Liver cirrhosis - fibrosis of the liver causes portal hypertension and varices
2. Portal vein thrombosis
3. Budd chiari syndrome

Question 3

What is the definition of ‘Budd Chiari syndrome’?

Answer 3

1. rare condition caused by occlusion of hepatic veins that drain the liver.
2. condition caused by occlusion of hepatic veins that drain the liver.

Question 4

What is the ‘Budd Chiari syndrome’ triad?

Answer 4

1. Abdominal pain
2. Ascites
3. Liver enlargement

Question 5

What is the major complication?

Answer 5

Risk of fatal spontaneous rupture causing a life threatening haemorrhage

Question 6

Symptoms of oesophageal varices?

Answer 6

/asymptomatic until bleed/
potential signs of chronic liver failure present

1. fresh haematuria
2. malena - black tarry stool
3. hypovolaemic shock

Question 7

What are the results of blood tests?

Answer 7

1. Low haemoglobin

2. High urea

Question 8

What is the management for oesophageal varices?

Answer 8

1.urgent resus with fluids and blood transfusion

2. Stop bleeding ;
   - variceal band ligation
   - sclerotherapy
3. Vasopressor agents - Terlipressin