Definition: Dilated blood vessels in the ESOPHAGUS or GASTRIC FUNDUS that shunt blood from the portal circulation (PORTAL SYSTEM) to the systemic venous circulation. Often they are observed in individuals with portal hypertension (HYPERTENSION, PORTAL).
do not specify esophageal or gastric aspect unless particularly discussed; hemorrhaging esophageal or gastric varices: coord IM with HEMORRHAGE, GASTROINTESTINAL (IM)