What are esophageal varices?

Esophageal varices are swollen, dilated veins that develop in the esophagus, typically as a result of increased pressure in the portal vein system, which is often due to conditions such as liver cirrhosis. When the portal vein is obstructed or experiences increased pressure, blood flow is redirected to the smaller veins in the esophagus. These veins are not designed to handle this increased volume of blood, leading to their expansion and potential rupture, which can cause life-threatening bleeding.

The other choices do not accurately describe esophageal varices. Longitudinal ulcers in the anal canal pertain to a different condition altogether, typically related to other gastrointestinal issues. Saccular dilations in the bowel lumen refer to diverticula, which again is unrelated to esophageal varices. Protrusion of organs through the abdominal wall describes a hernia, which does not connect to the vascular issues that characterize esophageal varices. Thus, the proper understanding of esophageal varices highlights their connection to portal vein obstruction and the consequences of increased venous pressure.