A patient with history of Hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis is jaundiced and vomiting large amounts of blood; which condition is suspected?

• A. peptic ulcer
• B. esophageal varices
• C. esophageal tear
• D. hernia

Answer: (B)

In cirrhosis, scarring raises pressure in the portal venous system, causing esophageal varices to form. These dilated veins are prone to rupture, leading to massive hematemesis. The presence of jaundice fits with liver dysfunction, supporting variceal bleeding as the likely cause. While a peptic ulcer can bleed, the combination of cirrhosis and portal hypertension makes esophageal variceal hemorrhage the most probable explanation. An esophageal tear from forceful vomiting or a hernia would not be as strongly linked to the patient’s cirrhosis history and portal hypertension.