Esophageal varices are abnormal, enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus

Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is obstructed by scar tissue in the liver or (a clot.?) Seeking a way around the blockages, blood flows into smaller blood vessels that are not designed to carry large volumes of blood. The vessels may leak blood or even rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding.