A 59-year-old patient with history of alcohol abuse is admitted for hematemesis.On physical examination,you note ascites and caput medusa.A likely cause for the hematemesis is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of ascites and caput medusa suggests that the patient has developed portal hypertension, which can be a complication of chronic alcohol abuse. Esophageal varices are a common consequence of portal hypertension and can lead to hematemesis. Peptic ulcer disease and Barrett's esophagus may cause hematemesis, but they are not the most likely cause in a patient with a history of alcohol abuse and signs of portal hypertension. Pancreatitis is not closely associated with hematemesis.

A 59-Year-Old Patient with History of Alcohol Abuse Is Admitted