GV in medical terms typically refers to Gastric Varices.
Gastric varices are enlarged, tortuous veins located in the wall of the stomach. They are a type of portosystemic collateral vessel that develops as a result of portal hypertension, most often caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Because of the increased pressure in the portal vein, blood is diverted through these varices, bypassing the liver.
More on Gastric Varices:
- Prevalence: Gastric varices are less common than esophageal varices, occurring in about 20% of patients with portal hypertension.
- Bleeding Risk: While less frequent, bleeding from gastric varices is often more severe and carries a higher mortality rate compared to esophageal variceal bleeding.
- Classification: Gastric varices are classified based on their location and relationship to esophageal varices:
- GOV1 (Gastroesophageal Varices type 1): Extend from the esophagus into the stomach along the lesser curvature.
- GOV2 (Gastroesophageal Varices type 2): Extend from the esophagus into the stomach, usually along the greater curvature.
- IGV1 (Isolated Gastric Varices type 1): Located in the fundus of the stomach.
- IGV2 (Isolated Gastric Varices type 2): Located elsewhere in the stomach.
- Diagnosis: Endoscopy is the primary method for diagnosing gastric varices.
- Treatment: Treatment options for gastric varices include:
- Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy: Injecting a sclerosing agent into the varices to cause them to shrink and disappear.
- Endoscopic variceal ligation (banding): Placing rubber bands around the varices to cut off blood supply.
- Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO): A minimally invasive procedure that involves blocking the outflow of the varices and injecting a sclerosing agent.
- Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): Creating a connection between the portal vein and the hepatic vein to reduce portal pressure.
- Cyanoacrylate injection (Glue Injection): Injecting a special glue into the varices to obliterate them.
While "GV" could potentially stand for other less common medical terms depending on the specific context, in most cases, particularly in gastroenterology, it refers to Gastric Varices.
