Isolated duodenal varices as a cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding.
Portal hypertension and the development of varices in areas of portosystemic venous anastomoses can lead to dramatic and life-threatening haemorrhage. Varices most commonly occur in the gastro-oesophageal region but ectopic varices can arise at other sites in the gastrointestinal tract. This report describes a patient with massive haemorrhage from duodenal varices. We believe the case highlights the importance of considering ectopic varices as a cause of gastro-intestinal haemorrhage especially when oesophageal varices are absent.
Brown
J N
JN
Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital.
Cooper
J C
JC
D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004386:Duodenum / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery