This disease, also called phlebectasia, can be congenital, but is more common in acquired form. It develops, mainly, in the elderly, suffering from increased blood pressure and problems with the cardiovascular system. Varicose veins of the esophagus - a dangerous disease caused by portal hypertension, it for a long time does not make itself felt and, accordingly, is treated already in the advanced stage.
Varicose veins of the esophagus - classification
For this disease is characterized by a significant increase in the portal vein and increased pressure in the vessels - portal hypertension. It can be of the following types:
- prehepatic;
- intrahepatic;
- posthepatic.
As a rule, hypertension occurs on the background of cirrhosis of the liver or congenital changes in blood vessels.
Varicose veins of the esophagus - causes
Factors causing this disease:
- echinococcosis;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- Chiari's disease;
- thrombosis, sclerosis of the portal vein;
- amyloidosis;
- chronic cardiovascular insufficiency;
- cholecystitis .
Varicose veins of the esophagus - symptoms
The first few years, the disease can occur without any visible signs. Sometimes there are rare attacks of heartburn, a weak heaviness in the chest, belching. Some patients complain of difficulty with swallowing food. Over time, the disease progresses and eventually the varicose veins of the esophagus cause bleeding. It begins suddenly and can be fatal if the appropriate first aid measures are not taken. During bleeding, severe vomiting is observed with thick blood of dark color, while liquid accumulates in the stomach.
It is worth noting that this symptom in rare cases can be poorly expressed, flow in a dream, and the patient simply will not notice the loss of blood. This is fraught with the development of chronic anemia (iron deficiency).
Varicose veins of the esophagus - treatment
Therapy of the disease consists in eliminating its root cause, as well as in reducing the pressure in the upper hollow and portal vein.
With mild bleeding, vasoconstrictive drugs are administered and special tamponizing cylinders are installed to squeeze the damaged vessels in the esophagus. It is possible to use a cryoprobe.
During a severe loss of blood, an endoscopic surgical procedure is required, during which the places of rupture of the vessel are sealed with thrombin, clamped by medical clamps or soldered by electrocoagulation.