Varices can occur in the duodenum and can be a source of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Features of duodenal varices:
(1) The patient has portal hypertension (cirrhotic, portal fibrosis, extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction).
(2) The dilated submucosal blood vessels may be seen on endoscopy or can be demonstrated by endoscopic ultraound (EUS).
(3) The varices are most common in the duodenal bulb followed by the second part of the duodenum.
(4) Some patients experience bleeding from the varices, which can be massive.
(5) The patient may have varices at other sites.
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Specialty: Gastroenterology
