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Gastric varices

Monday 19 May 2008, Branislav Kunčak, M. D.

Classification of gastric varices proposed by Sarin et al.

GOV- gastro-esophageal varices. Varices extend from the esophagus into the stomach. GOV are further sub-classified into GOV1 and GOV2.

  • GOV 1- extending along the lesser curvature of the stomach
  • GOV 2- extending along the greater curvature towards the gastric fundus

IGV- isolated gastric varices. Gastric varices are present in absence of esophageal varices.

  • IGV 1- located in the gastric fundus
  • IGV 2- located in the gastric antrum, corpus or pylorus

» Sarin SK, Kumar A. Gastric varices: profile, classification, and management. Am J Gastroenterol 1989;84:1244-9.

Stigmata of recent bleeding:

  • erosion
  • clot
  • red or brown elevations on the surface of the varix

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Fig. 1

Gastric varices GOV 1

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Fig. 2

Gastric varices GOV 2

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Fig. 3

Gastric varices IGV 1

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Fig. 4

Gastric varices IGV 2 (antral varices).

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Video 1

Isolated varix in the body of the stomach IGV 2

Download the movie in the original format: ectopic gastric varix.mpg (1.02 MB)

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Fig. 5

Isolated varix in the body of the stomach IGV 2

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Fig. 6

Bleeding gastric varix (GOV 1).

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Fig. 7

Bleeding gastric varix (IGV 1).

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Fig. 8

Gastric varix (IGV 1) with stigmata of recent bleeding (erosion).

Keywords: gastric varices, classification, Sarin, GOV, IGV, gastro-esophageal varices, isolated gastric varices, ectopic varices, portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, bleeding, cirrhosis, tissue glue