Bleeding esophageal varices : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

Symptoms & Signs

People with chronic liver disease and esophageal varices may have no symptoms.

If there is only a small amount of bleeding, the only symptom may be dark or black streaks in the stools.

If larger amounts of bleeding occur, symptoms may include:

• Black, tarry stools
• Bloody stools
• Light-headedness
• Paleness
• Symptoms of chronic liver disease (such as cirrhosis)
• Vomiting
• Vomiting blood

Diagnosis & Tests

Physical examination:

• Bloody or black stool on rectal exam
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Signs of chronic liver disease or cirrhosis

Tests to determine where the bleeding is coming from and detect active bleeding include:

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Tube through the nose into the stomach (nasogastric tube) to look for signs of bleeding

Some doctors recommend EGD for patients who are newly diagnosed with mild-to-moderate cirrhosis to screen for esophageal varices and treat them before there is bleeding.

• Bleeding esophageal varices : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

• Bleeding esophageal varices : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests

• Bleeding esophageal varices : Treatment

Review Date : 8/22/2008
Reviewed By : Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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