Final answer:
Gastric varices are dilated blood vessels in the stomach that can occur in patients with cirrhosis. Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) can show both gastric varices and gastritis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gastric varices are dilated blood vessels in the stomach that can occur in patients with cirrhosis, a condition where there is scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis can lead to portal hypertension, which increases pressure in the veins that carry blood from the organs to the liver. As a result, blood may flow backward and accumulate in the vessels of the stomach, causing varices. These varices can be seen on an endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be caused by various factors, including infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune diseases. The EGD can show signs of gastritis, such as redness or swelling of the stomach lining, erosion of the stomach wall, or the presence of ulcers.