Esophageal varices

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Esophageal varices are sub-mucosal veins which are extremely vasodilated that exist in the lower third of the human esophagus. They are most often a consequence of portal hypertension, commonly due to cirrhosis. People with esophageal varices have a strong tendency to develop severe bleeding which, when left untreated, can lead to fatal exsanguination. Esophageal varices are typically diagnosed through an esophago­gastro­duodeno­scopy.

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