Gallbladder varices are most commonly caused by which condition?

Gallbladder varices are most commonly caused by which condition?

• A. Portal Hypertension
• B. Cholecystitis
• C. Hepatitis
• D. Hepatic Abscess

Answer: (A)

Elevated pressure in the portal venous system drives the formation of collateral veins around the liver and gallbladder area. When portal hypertension develops, blood seeks alternate routes to bypass the liver, causing dilation of the veins that drain the gallbladder (the cystic and pericholecystic venous channels). These dilated vessels are gallbladder varices, making portal hypertension the most common underlying cause. Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or liver infections like hepatitis or an hepatic abscess don’t typically create these dilated gallbladder venous channels.

Elevated pressure in the portal venous system drives the formation of collateral veins around the liver and gallbladder area. When portal hypertension develops, blood seeks alternate routes to bypass the liver, causing dilation of the veins that drain the gallbladder (the cystic and pericholecystic venous channels). These dilated vessels are gallbladder varices, making portal hypertension the most common underlying cause. Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or liver infections like hepatitis or an hepatic abscess don’t typically create these dilated gallbladder venous channels.