Mesenteric varices: a source of mesosystemic shunts and gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

The presence of mesenteric varices was demonstrated angiographically in 7 patients with portal hypertension. In 4 of these cases the mesenteric varices were the source of lower gastrointestinal bleeding which was successfully controlled by intra-arterial infusion of vasopressin. The radiological diagnosis and management of mesenteric varices is discussed and the pertinent literature is briefly reviewed.