Clinical Diagnosis · Digestive System · Medium
Varices
Meaning: Dilated, tortuous veins, especially in the oesophagus due to portal hypertension.
In practice: Oesophageal ones can bleed torrentially in cirrhosis, causing haematemesis and melaena.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Thickening and scarring of connective tissue, often in the lungs or liver.
Answer: Fibrosis
Which word means: An unpleasant, abnormal sensation, either spontaneous or provoked by touch.
Answer: Dysaesthesia
Words like varices come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.