Published online Jun 28, 2015. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i12.1601
Peer-review started: January 18, 2015
First decision: February 7, 2015
Revised: March 20, 2015
Accepted: April 10, 2015
Article in press: April 14, 2015
Published online: June 28, 2015
Processing time: 164 Days and 4.5 Hours
Ectopic varices are unusual with portal hypertension and can involve any site along the digestive tract outside the gastroesophageal region. Hemorrhage from ectopic varices generally are massive and life threatening. Diagnosis of ectopic varices is difficult and subsequent treatment is also difficult; the optimal treatment has not been established. Recently, interventional radiology and endoscopic treatments have been carried out successfully for hemorrhage from ectopic varices.
Core tip: Ectopic varices with portal hypertension are considered to be the cause of hemorrhage presenting as lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Recently, interventional radiology and endoscopic procedures have been performed successfully as a treatment option for ectopic varices.