Isolated colonic varices in a patient with portal hypertension

Abstract

Although rectal varices are a common finding at colonoscopy, isolated varices of the colon are rare. Colonic varices are usually associated with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis or other causes of portal venous obstruction. Idiopathic colonic varices are extremely rare. Recognition of this condition is important, as colonic varices may be an infrequent cause of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding. This article is part of an expert video encyclopedia. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH.