Duodenal varices. A neglected cause of massive, recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.

Bleeding from duodenal varices in portal hypertension may not be recognized, resulting in a delay in diagnosis. Early detection is important as duodenal varices are a potential source of massive hemorrhage. We report two cases with recurrent upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in whom accurate diagnosis was made only after extensive investigation including repeated endoscopic examination.