What is the difference between uphill and downhill varices of the esophagus?
Uphill varices of the esophagus are secondary to portal hypertension and are typically seen in the lower third of the esophagus. Downhill varices of the esophagus are secondary to superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion and are typically seen in the upper and middle thirds of the esophagus (if the site of obstruction is superior to the junction of the azygos vein and SVC) or in the esophagus diffusely (if the site of obstruction is inferior to the junction of the azygos vein and SVC).
