Gastric varices are swollen veins in your stomach lining caused by elevated pressure in the portal venous system when blood flow through the liver is obstructed. These engorged vessels can rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding.
Varices often remain silent until they bleed. When bleeding occurs, you may experience:
Gastric varices develop when normal blood flow through the liver is blocked or impeded, leading to increased pressure in nearby veins. Common causes include:
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Yes. Gastric varices can rupture and cause sudden, life-threatening bleeding that requires immediate medical attention.
Most cases are due to liver cirrhosis leading to portal hypertension, but blocked veins (such as splenic vein thrombosis) and other liver-related issues can also trigger varices.
No. Once gastric varices develop, they will not resolve without targeted treatment to reduce portal pressure or close off the abnormal veins.
Splenic vein thrombosis is a blood clot in the vein that drains the spleen. It can increase pressure in nearby vessels and lead to the formation of gastric varices.
They are typically diagnosed with endoscopy. Imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasound can also detect varices and assess portal hypertension.
No. While both result from portal hypertension, esophageal varices form in the esophagus, whereas gastric varices occur in the stomach lining.
A liver-friendly, low-salt diet can support overall liver health and help manage portal pressure, but it does not cure existing varices or prevent bleeding on its own.
TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) creates a small channel within the liver to divert blood flow, lowering portal pressure and reducing the risk of variceal bleeding.
Follow-up endoscopies or imaging studies are usually recommended every 3-6 months, depending on the severity of your varices and overall liver function.
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, you'll receive expert, personalized care with advanced endoscopic and imaging services, all delivered by a compassionate, patient-first team.
