Downhill oesophageal varices are an uncommon type of oesophageal varices associated with superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction.
On this page:
Epidemiology
Downhill oesophagal varices are less frequently seen. It is seen in less than 0.5% of routine upper endoscopies. Most common aetiology is superior vena obstruction of any cause. It is seen in almost 30% of the cases of SVC obstruction 1.
Clinical presentation
The underlying cause for SVC obstruction and symptoms related to that. It bleeds less often than more common uphill oesophageal varices which is seen in portal hypertension. There is no associated cirrhosis or portal hypertension of any cause.
Treatment and prognosis
Treating the underlying cause of SVC obstruction.
History and etymology
The first description of the downhill oesophageal varices located in the upper third of the oesophagus without the existence of portal hypertension was in 1964 by Felson and Lessure 2.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.