On May 30, 2003 an EGD revealed grade II gastric varices, six of which were banded. (Picture is of varices in another patient.)

On June 6 the patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and abdominal distension. He also developed a large clot in the right common femoral artery and was started on Heparin. A CT of the abdomen was performed.

1. What is the cause of varices?

2. What did the CT show?