Management of acute variceal bleeding: emphasis on endoscopic therapy

Andrés Cárdenas

doi:10.1016/j.cld.2010.03.002

Management of acute variceal bleeding: emphasis on endoscopic therapy

Clin Liver Dis. 2010 May;14(2):251-62. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2010.03.002.

Author

Andrés Cárdenas¹

Affiliation

¹ GI Unit / Institut Clinic de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Spain. acardena@clinic.ub.es

PMID: 20682233
DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2010.03.002

Abstract

Acute variceal bleeding is one of the most serious and feared complications of patients with portal hypertension. The most common cause of portal hypertension is advanced liver disease. Patients with esophageal and gastric varices may bleed because of a progressive increase in portal pressure that causes them to grow and finally rupture. This article will review the current management strategies for acute variceal bleeding with emphasis on endoscopic therapy for the acute episode.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Balloon Occlusion* / adverse effects
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal* / methods
Esophageal and Gastric Varices / diagnosis
Esophageal and Gastric Varices / etiology
Esophageal and Gastric Varices / physiopathology
Esophageal and Gastric Varices / therapy
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / mortality
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / physiopathology
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy*
Humans
Hypertension, Portal / etiology
Hypertension, Portal / physiopathology
Ligation* / adverse effects
Liver Diseases / complications
Liver Diseases / physiopathology
Portal System / physiopathology
Sclerotherapy* / adverse effects
Stents
Treatment Outcome
Vasoconstrictor Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

Vasoconstrictor Agents