Downhill Esophageal Varices: A Prevalent Complication of Superior Vena Cava Obstruction From Benign and Malignant Causes

Conclusions: Downhill esophageal varices can be seen in 30% of patients with SVC obstruction. They have several patterns and are mostly systemic-to-systemic collaterals. The most common etiology associated with DEV is renal failure. Downhill esophageal varices are of small caliber, this may in part account for less frequent bleeding compared to uphill varices.
Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography - Category: Radiology Tags: Thoracic and Breast Imaging Source Type: research