title: Hemorrhoids or rectal varices: defining the cause of massive rectal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension.
abstract: Identifying the source of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension can be challenging. We present 2 cases of hemorrhage from rectal varices and a discussion on the differences between simple hemorrhoids and rectal varices. Evaluation of rectal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension is discussed and possible therapeutic options are described.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011172:Portography; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012007:Rectum / Q000098:blood supply*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging