What risk is associated with untreated varices in a patient with liver disease?

Untreated varices in a patient with liver disease are primarily associated with the risk of significant complications, particularly bleeding. Varices are dilated veins that occur as a consequence of portal hypertension, which is a common feature of advanced liver disease. The pressure from this condition causes collateral circulation to form, leading to the development of varices, often in areas such as the esophagus or stomach.

When these varices rupture, they can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage, which is a critical complication. The consequences of such bleeding can be devastating, often leading to a rapid decline in the patient's condition, shock, and potentially death if not treated promptly. Frequent episodes of bleeding can also contribute to the development of hepatic encephalopathy due to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, as blood flow to the liver is diverted, impairing its ability to filter out these substances.

While the other conditions mentioned in the choices might be related to liver disease, they do not directly stem from the presence of untreated varices. For instance, bone marrow suppression can result from various factors unrelated to varices, hepatic neoplasm is a separate diagnosis concerning liver cancer, and portal hypertension is the cause, not a risk associated with untreated varices. Thus, the primary and