Diagnostic performance of multidetector computed tomography in the evaluation of esophageal varices

Abstract

ObjectiveOur purpose was to evaluate the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluation of esophageal varices (EV). Patients and methods112 patients with liver cirrhosis were included, EV was evaluated for grades, presence of collateral, palisade vein dilatation and also patient acceptability. ResultsThe sensitivity of MDCT for radiologist A was 94.8%, specificity 98.5%, Accuracy 97.8%, PPV 94.8%, NPV 98.5% and for radiologist B, 99.4%, 99.6%, 99.6%, 99.3% and 99.7% respectively. MDCT detected para esophageal varices in 38 cases, gastric fundus varices in 47 cases and splenorenal collaterals were seen in 14 cases, palisade vein dilatation was +ve in 58 cases, −ve in 47 cases and (±) in 7 cases. 3 cases of HCC and 1 liver cyst were incidentally found during examination. There was a highly significant correlation between degree of palisade vein dilatation, increasing grade of esophageal varices and Red color sign with p value <0.01. MDCT was more accepted than endoscopy in 83%. The preference of CT was statistically significant p<0.01. ConclusionMDCT is a fast, well tolerable, non-invasive procedure and accepted from most of the examined patients for evaluation and grading of EV, detection of other portosystemic collaterals and hepatobiliary pathologies.