Risk Factors
Individuals who have liver disease are at a higher risk of experiencing ruptured esophageal varices if they have elevated blood pressure in the vessels that supply the liver. It is important to note that large varices have a greater likelihood of rupturing compared to small ones. Furthermore, those with advanced liver disease are also more susceptible to experiencing a rupture.
In addition, continuing to consume alcohol after being diagnosed with esophageal varices significantly increases the risk of bleeding. This risk is further amplified if alcohol consumption was the primary cause of the individual’s liver disease.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing liver disease, medical professionals often conduct routine screenings for esophageal varices. One common method used is an endoscopy, where a thin catheter containing a camera is inserted through the throat into the esophagus. This allows the doctor to visually inspect the varices, determine their size, and identify any signs that they may rupture. In certain cases, a capsule endoscopy may be performed, involving the patient swallowing a small camera in tablet form. Additionally, CT and ultrasound scans are sometimes employed as diagnostic tools for esophageal varices.