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StatPearls, LLC

  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices
  • Hemorrhage
  • Hyperemia
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Varicose Veins

Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices are dilated submucosal veins in the distal esophagus that form as a consequence of portal hypertension, most commonly due to cirrhosis. Increased resistance to portal blood flow and hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation elevate portal pressures, promoting the development of portosystemic collaterals that decompress the portal system. Progressive venous congestion within the gastroesophageal circulation leads to tortuous varices that may rupture and cause life-threatening hemorrhage. This course explores variceal bleeding, which represents a leading fatal complication of cirrhosis and a major cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and its risk factors, which correlate with variceal size, advanced liver disease, red wale markings on endoscopy, and ongoing alcohol use. Early recognition and appropriate management This activity reviews evidence-based strategies for screening, diagnosis, acute stabilization, and secondary prevention of variceal hemorrhage, which remain essential for reducing morbidity and mortality. Participants will also gain an understanding of risk stratification, the interpretation of laboratory and hemodynamic data, the appropriate use of endoscopic and pharmacologic therapies, infection prophylaxis, and the coordination of interprofessional care. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in identifying esophageal varices, performing the recommended evaluation, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach to managing this condition, thereby improving patient safety and outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

IPCE CreditsUp to 1.5 creditsAAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 8 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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