Qualitative and Quantitative Ultrasound Parameters for Predicting the Presence of Oesophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

esophageal varices are the one of the most common and serious complications of portal hypertension, the main fear lies in their rupture with a relatively high incidence of mortality. This can be prevented through regular screening with primary or secondary prophylaxis with banding or injection of present varices before complicating. However till now, the most reliable screening method for the diagnosis of the presence of varices is through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. This implies a considerable burden for endoscopy units and an increased number of unpleasant procedures for patients since less than 50% of cirrhotic patients undergoing screening for varices have varices at the time. Studies have been directed towards finding a better non-invasive method to diagnose the presence of oesophageal varices with the same accuracy as endoscopy, sparing its need to only patients who would require intervention. Our study was a prospective cohort study that was conducted in AinShams university hospitals on 60 patients with liver cirrhosis of any aetiology, collected from the hepatology outpatient clinic or inpatients admitted in the hospital.