Final answer:
True, the left gastric vein, when acting as collateral in conditions such as portal hypertension, can lead to esophageal varices which risk rupturing and causing gastroesophageal hemorrhage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the main portal vein is blocked or constricted, blood is forced through alternate pathways, including the left gastric vein, to reach the systemic circulation. This can lead to the engorgement of these collateral vessels and potentially cause gastroesophageal varices, which are dilated submucosal veins in the stomach and esophagus. If these veins rupture, it can result in severe hemorrhage.
The left gastric vein is a tributary of the portal vein and can become part of the collateral circulation connecting the portal and systemic venous systems. The celiac trunk is a major branch of the abdominal aorta, giving rise to the left gastric artery, which supplies blood to the stomach. The additional burden on the left gastric vein can lead to the clinical phenomenon known as esophageal varices, which are prone to bleeding and can cause a life-threatening condition if they rupture.