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

See also

• Varicose ulcer
• Varix (mollusc)