Gastric Varices Secondary to Splenic Vein Occlusion: Radiographic Diagnosis and Clinical Significance

Abstract

Radiographic appearance and clinical significance of gastric varices in absence of esophageal varices and secondary to splenic vein occlusion were studied. Eighteen patients were evaluated through medical records, angiography and Ba studies of the stomach and esophagus. The presence of splenic vein occlusion was determined by arteriography in 18 patients and its etiology confirmed by surgery in 17 patients. This condition should be suspected in patients with chronic abdominal pain, weight loss and Fe deficiency anemia who show fundal polypoid filling defects or prominent gastric folds on an upper GI [gastrointestinal] series.