Upper esophageal varices: report of three cases and review of the literature.

Cervical esophageal varices occur rarely. Although cases of primary upper esophageal varices have been reported, the most frequent underlying etiology is superior vena cava obstruction. Usually asymptomatic, cervical esophageal varices may occasionally be responsible for significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Twenty-five cases of upper esophageal varices have been described in the literature to date. Three additional cases are presented and the previous literature is reviewed. Potential collateral pathways in the presence of superior vena cava obstruction are discussed.