Diffuse Colonic Varices (2 of 4)

The entire colon had prominent veins to the cecum Diagnosis of idiopathic colonic varices is most accurately achieved by mesenteric angiography. Etiology and natural history of ectopic varices Ectopic varices are defined as large portosystemic venous collaterals occurring anywhere in the abdomen except for the the cardiaesophageal region. These varices account for 1-5% of all variceal bleeding. The most common location for ectopic varices are the stomach, duodenum, remainder of small bowel, and colon. Rarely, these varices can be noted in the peritoneum, and biliary system. Ectopic varices has been recognized to occur more frequently following sclerotherapy of esophageal varices and surgical anastamosis sites in patients with portal hypertension. Colonic varices are surprisingly uncommon in patients with portal hypertension in whom varicosities often develop in the distal esophagus and cardia of the stomach.