Which term describes swollen, varicose veins at the lower end of the esophagus?

• A. Esophageal varices
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Gastroduodenostomy
• D. Cardiac arrest

Answer: (A)

Swollen, varicose veins at the lower end of the esophagus are called esophageal varices. These are dilated veins in the submucosa of the distal esophagus that develop when the portal venous system is under high pressure, usually from liver disease such as cirrhosis. The elevated portal pressure diverts blood through collateral pathways, including the veins of the lower esophagus, causing them to enlarge. They’re important clinically because if they rupture, they can cause life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In contrast, the other terms refer to entirely different conditions: bradycardia is a slow heartbeat, gastroduodenostomy is a surgical connection between the stomach and duodenum, and cardiac arrest is a stop of heart activity.