Idiopathic esophageal varices with longitudinal erosion.

A 60-year-old man with idiopathic esophageal varices is presented. Endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography clearly demonstrated a longitudinal erosion on one of two straight varices. There was no evidence of portal hypertension, and no abnormality in the superior vena cava system. Peritoneoscopy and liver biopsy were normal. These varices with longitudinal erosion represent unique endoscopic findings as compared with previously reported cases. There has been no variceal bleeding during a 6-year follow-up.