World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines
JANUARY 2014
"Esophageal varices are Porto-systemic collaterals — i.e., vascular channels that link
the portal venous and the systemic venous circulation. They form as a consequence of
portal hypertension (a progressive complication of cirrhosis), preferentially in the sub
mucosa of the lower esophagus. Rupture and bleeding from esophageal varices are
major complications of portal hypertension and are associated with a high mortality
rate. Variceal bleeding accounts for 10–30% of all cases of upper gastrointestinal
bleeding."
http://www.worldgastroenterology.org/assets/export/userfiles/2014_FINAL_ESOPHAGEAL-VARICES.pdf