Recurrent variceal bleeding in alcoholic liver cirrhosis (a case report)

Abstract

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is widely known to doctors for its complications, including variceal bleeding from the esophagus and/or stomach. Recurrent variceal bleeding is considered a sign of decompensated portal hypertension. As fibrosis in the liver progresses, the gradient of portal pressure increases steadily, and each subsequent bleeding indicates a worsening survival prognosis. There are variety of measures available now to prevent upper gastrointestinal variceal bleeding. In the clinical case, the methods used to prevent repeated bleeding are described. Despite their use, numerous variceal bleedings were registered, which demonstrated the exceptional compensatory capabilities of the patient. In addition, long-term abstinence from the harmful factor, an alcohol, seems to be the most effective measure in this case.

Keywords

• alcoholic cirrhosis
• variceal bleeding
• portal hypertension