Varices
| Varices | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Hematology |
| Symptoms | Internal bleeding |
| Complications | hypovolemic shock cardiac arrest |
A varix (pl.: varices) is an abnormally dilated blood vessel with a tortuous course. Varices usually occur in the venous system, but may also occur in arterial or lymphatic vessels.
Examples of varices include:
- Varicose veins, large tortuous veins usually found on legs
- Sublingual varices
- Esophageal varices, commonly stemming from cirrhosis of the liver, also known as oesophageal varicose
- Gastric varices, commonly stemming from cirrhosis of the liver
- Intestinal varices
- Scrotal varices
- Vulvar varices
- Pelvic varices
- Vesical varices, varicose veins associated with the urinary bladder
- Rectal varices, which can be similar to external haemorrhoids