Bleeding Esophageal Varices, Portal Hypertension

This book had its beginnings in 1950 with a collection of 50 cases of ruptured varices proved at autopsy. The main author began an inquiry into the clinical and pathological features of portal varices and the natural history of patients with bleeding varices. As a result he has reviewed a tremendous amount of literature relating to the circulatory dynamics of the portal system, which review occupies the first third of the book. Extensive references are attached to each chapter. Many of the factors concerned with the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and esophageal varices are incorporated in later chapters dealing with clinical problems. Some of these chapters are followed by summaries while others are not. Dispersed throughout the book are case reports contributed by and based on the experience of both authors and critical reviews of other cases reported in the literature.

Dr. Liebowitz concludes that increased hydrostatic pressure is the