Varices By Parswa Ansari, MD, Hofstra Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Reviewed / Revised May 2023 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Key Points More Information Topic Resources TIPS Risk predictor / Survival... Esophageal Varices Bleeding Esophageal Varix Varices are dilated veins in the distal esophagus or proximal stomach caused by elevated pressure in the portal venous system, typically from cirrhosis.