(c) A. Esophageal varices are dilated submucosal veins that develop in a patient with underlying portal hypertension. The most common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis. (u) B. A patient with a Mallory-Weiss tear would have a history of retching but would not have a distended abdomen. (u) C. Most arteriovenous malformations are asymptomatic..