What does IGV mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Isolated gastric varices (IGV) are dilated veins that occur in the stomach which usually drain into the portal venous system through esophageal varices. IGV can be caused by portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and other causes of increased intra-abdominal pressure. IGV is a rare complication and occurs in less than 3% of patients with portal hypertension in the United States.

The most common symptom of IGV is upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include nausea or vomiting, indigestion, bloating, and feeling very full after eating. Patients may also experience bleeding from their GI tract or signs of anemia due to blood loss.

Those who have already been diagnosed with cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, or portal hypertension are at an increased risk for developing IGV. Other risk factors for developing IGV include alcohol abuse, obesity, certain genetic disorders such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and extreme elevation of prothrombin time (PT).

The diagnosis of IGV can be made through physical examination as well as various imaging techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), CT scan or MRI/MR angiography. In some cases, an upper endoscopy may also be necessary to accurately diagnose IGV.

Treatment options for IGV depend on the underlying cause and severity of variceal formation but commonly include medications to reduce bleeding or reduce portal pressure such as beta blockers and nitrates or vasoconstrictors like octreotide. Additionally, non-surgical procedures such as band ligation, sclerotherapy injections and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are sometimes used to treat IGV if medications alone don’t work.

Yes, untreated and severe cases ofIGV can lead to serious complications such as hepatic encephalopathy due to blood pooling in the abdomen and causing toxins to accumulate in the brain; ascites due to fluid buildup in the abdomen; acute liver failure; gastrointestinal bleeding leading to anemia; jaundice; abdominal pain; weight loss; fatigue; and infections such as bacterial peritonitis or sepsis due to breakdown in intestinal walls caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of digestive enzymes released during digestion.

Generally speaking it is recommended that those diagnosed with IGV maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise while avoiding alcohol consumption due excessive drinking being a major risk factor for developing this condition. Additionally it is important that all prescribed medications are taken according to doctor’s instructions so that symptoms can be managed appropriately.

In some cases yes since certain lifestyle changes can decrease your risk for developing IGV including losing any excess weight you may have as well avoiding heavy alcohol use which can lead to cirrhosis which puts you at higher risk for this condition.