Portosystemic anastamoses

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

NeedToStudy

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2014
Messages
457
Reaction score
62
Points
4,676
  1. Non-Student
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Forgive me if this is a dumb question but I'm having trouble with Varices. For example in esophaegal varices there is a anastomes between the Left gastric vein and the esophageal vein. But I'm not sure if this is the treatment or the pathology? For ex. is esophageal varices treated by shunting blood from the left gastic vein to the esophageal vein or is the anastamoses between the left gastric vein and esophageal vein the pathology in Esophageal Varices?

Forgive me if my question is incomprehensible.
 
These anastamoses are normal.
Anastamoses just means a connection between two vessels.

Why these portosystemic anastamosees are important is because they are indicators of liver failure. So having a backup in the portal system, means blood will also back up in the esophageal veins (a systemic vein) since they are connected via an anastamoses, thus causing the "esophageal varicose veins".

Varicose veins are any veins that have been filled with an abnormal collection of blood hence calling them "varicose". People also are seen with varicose veins in their lower limbs as well because of the valves of the LL veins failing.

This is my understanding, I hope this helps.
 
Top Bottom