What is a major complication of esophageal varices?

What is a major complication of esophageal varices?

• A. Rupture and bleeding due to distention of submucosal veins.
• B. Esophageal spasm without bleeding.
• C. Esophageal perforation from instrumentation.
• D. Heartburn due to acid reflux.

Answer: (A)

Esophageal varices form when portal hypertension causes the submucosal veins in the distal esophagus to dilate and become fragile. The major complication is rupture of these dilated veins, leading to massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This rupture can cause rapid blood loss, vision of hematemesis, melena, and shock if not promptly treated. The other scenarios—esophageal spasm without bleeding, perforation from instrumentation, or heartburn from acid reflux—are not the typical or defining complications of varices. The risk of bleeding is what makes variceal disease particularly dangerous and the focus of urgent management and preventive strategies.

Esophageal varices form when portal hypertension causes the submucosal veins in the distal esophagus to dilate and become fragile. The major complication is rupture of these dilated veins, leading to massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This rupture can cause rapid blood loss, vision of hematemesis, melena, and shock if not promptly treated. The other scenarios—esophageal spasm without bleeding, perforation from instrumentation, or heartburn from acid reflux—are not the typical or defining complications of varices. The risk of bleeding is what makes variceal disease particularly dangerous and the focus of urgent management and preventive strategies.