Abstract
Background:Portal hypertension is a common consequence of hepatic cirrhosis, which causes esophageal varices. Bleeding from varices has a high mortality rate. The present gold standard for diagnosing varices is endoscopy. Considering endoscopy side effects and patients' low acceptance, there have been always efforts for finding alternative diagnostic methods including Doppler ultrasonography (US).Objectives:The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes of Doppler indices in cirrhotic patients with and without esophageal varices.Patients and Methods:Sixty six patients with known cirrhosis entered this cross-sectional study. Gastroscopy was performed for patients, and the first questionnaire was filled based on the Japanese Portal Hypertension Society guidelines. Then patients were referred for Doppler US of splenoportal system, and information was documented in the second questionnaire.Results:Forty-four patients were male and 22 female. Forty six patients had esophageal varices, and 20 did not. There were no significant associations between splenoportal indices found by Doppler US, and presence of esophageal varices in patients. However, we found a negative association between platelet ratio to spleen diameter, and to splenic vein diameter.Conclusions:Neither of studied variables was perfect to differentiate cirrhotic patients with and without EVs. Endoscopy is still the gold standard diagnostic method for diagnosing esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. It seems that some of the splenoportal Doppler indices are promising, but more research and evaluation is necessary.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
