Hemorrhagic Shock from a Duodenal Ulcer Eroding into an Ectopic Varix

Abstract

Ectopic varices are an infrequent yet fatal complication resulting from the progression of liver cirrhosis. Duodenal varices pose a significant challenge to clinicians as they are not easily visualized on endoscopy due to their submucosal location and lack of red color signs. Identification of duodenal varices is important given the risk of massive and life-threatening bleeding that is difficult to control. Patients may present in hemorrhagic shock requiring immediate resuscitation; however, confirmation of the bleeding source as variceal or non-variceal is critical in determining the optimal therapeutic intervention. Here, we report an unusual case of a duodenal ulcer that eroded into an ectopic varix resulting in hemorrhagic shock.