Esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients: evaluation with liver CT

Esophageal Stent in Acute Refractory Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Background: Acute esophageal variceal bleeding accounts for up to 70% of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. About 10-20% of patients with acute variceal bleeding have refractory bleeding that is not controlled by medical or endoscopic therapy, and this condition can be life-threatening. Balloon tamponade is a long-standing therapy which is only effective temporarily and has several complications, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and liver transplantation may not be readily available at some centers. The use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) in refractory esophageal variceal bleeding has been studied for effectiveness and adverse events and has been recommended for use as a bridge to a more definitive treatment. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of SEMSs in managing refractory variceal bleeding. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was performed from inception to October 2022 using the following terms: "esophageal stent", "self-expandable metal stents", "endoscopic hemostasis", "refractory esophageal varices", and "esophageal variceal bleeding". Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they met the following criteria: (1) patients' age older than 18 and (2) a study (or case series) that has at least 10 patients in the study. Exclusion criteria included (1) non-English publications, (2) in case of overlapping cohorts, data from the most recent and/or most appropriate comprehensive report were collected. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the meta package in R statistical software(version 4.2.2). Results: Twelve studies involving 225 patients with 228 stents were included in the analyses. The mean age and/or median age ranged from 49.4 to 69 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4 to 1. The median follow-up period was 42 days. The mean SEMS dwell time was 9.4 days. The most common cause of acute refractory variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients included alcohol use followed by viral hepatitis. The pooled rate of immediate bleeding control was 91% (95% CI 82-95%, I2 = 0). The pooled rate of rebleeding was 17% (95% CI 8-32%, I2 = 69). The pooled rate of stent ulceration was 7% (95% CI 3-13%, I2 = 0), and the pooled rate of stent migration was 18% (95% CI 9-32%, I2 = 38). The pooled rate of all-cause mortality was 38% (95% CI 30-47%, I2 = 34). Conclusions: SEMSs should be primarily considered as salvage therapy when endoscopic band ligation and sclerotherapy fail and can be used as a bridge to emergent TIPS or definitive therapy, such as liver transplantation.

The role of computed tomography for the prediction of esophageal variceal bleeding: Current status and future perspectives

Esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) is one of the most common and severe complications related to portal hypertension (PH). Despite marked advances in its management during the last three decades, EVB is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The risk of first EVB is related to the severity of both PH and liver disease, and to the size and endoscopic appearance of esophageal varices. Indeed, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) are currently recognized as the “gold standard” and the diagnostic reference standard for the prediction of EVB, respectively. However, HVPG is an invasive, expensive, and technically complex procedure, not widely available in clinical practice, whereas EGD is mainly limited by its invasive nature. In this scenario, computed tomography (CT) has been recently proposed as a promising modality for the non-invasive prediction of EVB. Although CT is only a diagnostic modality, thus being not capable of supplanting EGD or HVPG in providing therapeutic and physiological data, it could potentially assist liver disease scores, HVPG, and EGD in a more effective prediction of EVB. However, to date, evidence concerning the role of CT in this setting is still lacking. Our review aimed to summarize and discuss the current evidence concerning the role of CT in predicting the risk of EVB.

Predicting the risk of early bleeding following endoscopic variceal ligation in cirrhotic patients with computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Life-threatening bleeding following endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in patients with cirrhosis rarely can occur. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of computed tomography (CT) in predicting the risk of early bleeding following EVL in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 285 cirrhotic patients who had undergone EVL. EVL was performed for prophylaxis or acute variceal bleeding. The patients were classified into 2 groups: early bleeding (< 14 days after EVL) and non-early bleeding. We compared baseline characteristics including CT findings between the patient groups.

RESULTS

Among the 285 patients who underwent EVL treatment, 19 patients (6.7%) experienced early bleeding. On average, these bleeding occurred 9.3 ± 3.5 days after the EVL, with a range of 3 to 13 days. Patients who experience early bleeding had a higher six-week bleeding-related mortality rate compared to those in the non-early bleeding group (31.6% vs. 10.2%; p = 0.014). There was a correlation between the grade of esophageal varix observed during endoscopy and the diameter of esophageal varix observed on CT (p < 0.001). The diameter of esophageal varix on CT was identified as the only significant predictive factor for early bleeding (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

A larger esophageal varix diameter observed on CT is associated with an increased risk of early bleeding after EVL treatment. Early identification of this high-risk group can provide a change of treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Feasibility of computed tomography portal venography in the preoperative evaluation of emergent TIPS creation for cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility of computed tomography portal venography (CTPV) in the preoperative evaluation of emergent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation for cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding (AVB).

METHODS

One hundred and forty-eightcirrhotic patients with AVB undergoing emergent TIPS creation from January 2016 to December 2022 in our institution were enrolled in the retrospective study. The primary outcome was the consistency between CTPV and endoscopy in the classification and grading of gastroesophageal varices (GEVs). The second outcome was extraluminal CTPV findings. The consistency of CTPV and endoscopy in the classification and grading of GEVs was determined by Kappa values.

RESULTS

Emergent TIPS creation was technically successful in all patients. Forty-five patients underwent preoperative endoscopy. The results of CTPV diagnosis of GEVs classification were that 112, 28, and 8 patients were classified as gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1), GOV2, and isolated gastric varices type 1 (IGV1), respectively. In diagnosing the classification and grading of GEVs, CTPV showed substantial agreement with preoperative endoscopy, with Kappa values of 0.823 and 0.625, respectively. CTPV provided the afferent and afferent vessels of GEVs for emergent TIPS creation.

CONCLUSION

CTPV is feasible and effective to act as an alternative preoperative evaluation method to endoscopy for cirrhotic patients with AVB undergoing emergent TIPS creation.

CT Evaluation of the Esophagus: The Role of CT Imaging and CT Imaging Findings in Diagnosing Esophageal Abnormalities

Esophageal disorders are commonly encountered by radiologists on computed tomography. Characteristic computed tomography findings of various esophageal pathologies have been extensively described and are important for the radiologist to know to facilitate accurate and timely diagnosis. Esophageal disorders can be broadly classified as infectious and inflammatory, congenital/structural, or neoplastic. This paper reviews the most common presentations of various esophageal pathologies within each classification.

Risk factors associated with failure of endoscopic combined treatment to prevent varices rebleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate risk factors associated with gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding after endoscopic combined treatment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients who had liver cirrhosis and underwent endoscopic treatment to prevent variceal rebleeding were retrospectively recruited. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement and CT examination of portal vein system were performed before endoscopic treatment. Endoscopic obturation for gastric varices and ligation for esophageal varices were performed simultaneously at the first treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-five patients were enrolled, and after the first endoscopic treatment, recurrent hemorrhage occurred in 39 patients (23.6%) during 1-year follow-up. Compared to the non-rebleeding group, HVPG was significantly higher (18 mmHg vs.14 mmHg, P = 0.024) and more patients had HVPG exceeding 18 mmHg (51.3% vs.31.0%, P = 0.021) in the rebleeding group. No significant difference was found in other clinical and laboratory data between two groups (P > 0.05 for all). By a logistic regression analysis, high HVPG was the only risk factor associated with failure of endoscopic combined therapy (OR = 1.071, 95%CI, 1.005-1.141, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The poor efficacy of endoscopic treatment to prevent variceal rebleeding was associated with high HVPG. Therefore, other therapeutic options should be considered for the rebleeding patients with high HVPG.

Large Paraumbilical Vein Shunts Increase the Risk of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement

Background: This study aimed to evaluate whether a large paraumbilical vein (L-PUV) was independently associated with the occurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) after the implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Methods: This bi-center retrospective study included patients with cirrhotic variceal bleeding treated with a TIPS between December 2015 and June 2021. An L-PUV was defined in line with the following criteria: cross-sectional areas > 83 square millimeters, diameter ≥ 8 mm, or greater than half of the diameter of the main portal vein. The primary outcome was the 2-year OHE rate, and secondary outcomes included the 2-year mortality, all-cause rebleeding rate, and shunt dysfunction rate. Results: After 1:2 propensity score matching, a total of 27 patients with an L-PUV and 54 patients without any SPSS (control group) were included. Patients with an L-PUV had significantly higher 2-year OHE rates compared with the control group (51.9% vs. 25.9%, HR = 2.301, 95%CI 1.094−4.839, p = 0.028) and similar rates of 2-year mortality (14.8% vs. 11.1%, HR = 1.497, 95%CI 0.422−5.314, p = 0.532), as well as variceal rebleeding (11.1% vs. 13.0%, HR = 0.860, 95%CI 0.222−3.327, p = 0.827). Liver function parameters were similar in both groups during the follow-up, with a tendency toward higher shunt patency in the L-PUV group (p = 0.067). Multivariate analysis indicated that having an L-PUV (HR = 2.127, 95%CI 1.050−4.682, p = 0.037) was the only independent risk factor for the incidence of 2-year OHE. Conclusions: Having an L-PUV was associated with an increased risk of OHE after a TIPS. Prophylaxis management should be considered during clinical management.

Quantitative measurements of esophageal varices using computed tomography for prediction of severe varices and the risk of bleeding: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess whether the quantitative parameters of esophageal varices (EV) based on computed tomography (CT) can noninvasively predict severe EV and the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB).

METHODS

A total of 136 endoscopically confirmed EV patients were included in this retrospective study and were divided into a non-conspicuous (mild-to-moderate EV, n = 30) and a conspicuous EV group (severe EV, n = 106), a bleeding (n = 89) and a non-bleeding group (n = 47). EV grade (EVG), EV diameter (EVD), cross-sectional surface area (CSA), EV volume (EVV), spleen volume (SV), splenic vein (SNV), portal vein (PV), diameter of left gastric vein (DLGV), and the opening type of LGV were measured independently using 3D-slicer. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to determine the independent factors and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

The difference of EVG, EVD, CSA, EVV, DLGV, SNV between the conspicuous and non-conspicuous EV group were statistically significant (p < 0.05), area under the curves (AUCs) of them for predicting severe EV were 0.72, 0.772, 0.704, 0.768, 0.707, 0.65, with corresponding sensitivities of 70.3%, 63.5%, 50%, 74.3%, 52.7%, 48.6%, specificities of 71.4%, 85.7%, 100%, 71.4%, 81%, 81%, respectively. EVG, CSA (odds ratio 3.258, 95% CI 1.597-6.647; 1.029, 95% CI 1.008-1.050) were found to be independent predictive factors. However, there was no significant difference of the included indices between the bleeding and non-bleeding group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CT can be used as a noninvasive method to predict the severity of EV, which may reduce the invasive screening of endoscopy.

Development and validation of a radiomics signature as a non-invasive complementary predictor of gastroesophageal varices and high-risk varices in compensated advanced chronic liver disease: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gastroesophageal varices (GEV) present in compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) and can develop into high-risk varices (HRV). The gold standard for diagnosing GEV is esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). However, EGD is invasive and less tolerant. This study aimed to develop and validate radiomics signatures based on noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images for non-invasive diagnosis of GEV and HRV in patients with cACLD.

METHODS

The multicenter trial enrolled 161 patients with cACLD from six university hospitals in China between January 2015 and September 2019, who underwent both EGD and noncontrast-enhanced CT examination within 14 days prior to the endoscopy. Two radiomics signatures, termed rGEV and rHRV, respectively, were built based on CT images in a training cohort of 129 patients and validated in a prospective validation cohort of 32 patients (ClinicalTrials. gov identifier: NCT03749954).

RESULTS

In the training cohort, both rGEV and rHRV exhibited high discriminative abilities on determining the existence of GEV and HRV with the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.941 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.904-0.978) and 0.836 (95% CI 0.766-0.905), respectively. In validation cohort, rGEV and rHRV showed high discriminative abilities with AUCs of 0.871 (95% CI 0.739-1.000) and 0.831 (95% CI 0.685-0.978), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that rGEV and rHRV could serve as the satisfying auxiliary parameters for detection of GEV and HRV with good diagnostic performance.

Optimal diagnostic tool for surveillance of oesophageal varices during COVID-19 pandemic

AIM

To study the diagnostic accuracy and utility of triphasic abdominal computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and grading of oesophageal varices (OVs) as an alternative to endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective analysis was undertaken of retrospective data from cirrhotic patients who underwent oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) and a triphasic abdominal CT from January to December 2019. Endoscopists and radiologists provided their respective independent assessment of OV grading after being blinded to the clinical details. Performance of CT grading of OVs was compared with the reference standard endoscopic grading using weighted kappa (k). Non-invasive scores such, as aspartate transaminase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) Index, platelet: spleen (PS) ratio were correlated between the two techniques.

RESULTS

OV grading between endoscopists and radiologists showed 81.73% agreement (85 out of 104 patients) in the comparative analysis of 104 cirrhotic patients, of which no varices (57.1%, n=4), small (85.1%, n=23), medium (72.2%%, n=26), and large varices (94.1%, n=32) with a weighted k score of 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.82-0.94). Overall, the sensitivity of CT in the diagnosis of no, small, medium, and large OVs was 66.6%, 79.3%, 89.6%, and 94.1%, respectively, with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) score of 0.775, 0.887, 0.839, and 0.914. Performance of APRI, FIB-4, and PS ratio correlated well with the severity of OVs with no difference between OGD and CT grading.

CONCLUSION

Triphasic abdominal CT can be an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and grading of OVs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Varices on computed tomography as predictor of survival after hepatic resection in patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether presence of varices on computed tomography (CT) could predict treatment outcome for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

METHODS

We enrolled 241 patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 5 cm treated by surgery. With the use of preoperative CT/endoscopy, patients were classified into the following: presence of standard clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) surrogate, defined as varices on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly (group 1, n = 47); varices on CT without standard CSPH surrogate (group 2, n = 45); and none of both (group 3, n = 149). Development of posthepatectomy liver failure and overall survival (OS) were evaluated for each patient group, and patients were re-classified into two groups according to presence of CT-enhanced CSPH surrogate, defined as standard surrogate and/or varices on CT. Predictive power of each survival model was compared using Harrell's C-index.

RESULTS

Posthepatectomy liver failure rate in group 2 was similar to that in group 1 (53.3% [24/45] vs. 55.3% [26/47]; P = 1.000) but significantly higher than that in group 3 (53.3% [24/45] vs. 28.2% [42/149], P = 0.002). Seven-year OS rates in group 2 were similar to those in group 1 (55.6% vs. 60.8%, P = 0.988) but significantly lower than those in group 3 (55.6% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.001). Presence of standard CSPH surrogate (hazard ratio = 1.89 [1.08-3.30], P = 0.025) and CT-enhanced CSPH surrogate (hazard ratio = 2.60 [1.56-4.39], P < 0.001) were significant predicting factor for OS. However, CT-enhanced CSPH surrogate had significantly higher Harrell's C-index than standard surrogate (0.619 vs. 0.553, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

The presence of CT-enhanced CSPH surrogate including varices on CT was the significant predictive of poor OS, providing better predictive power than standard surrogate.

Noninvasive imaging assessment of portal hypertension

Portal hypertension (PH) is a spectrum of complications of chronic liver disease (CLD) and cirrhosis, with manifestations including ascites, gastroesophageal varices, splenomegaly, hypersplenism, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. PH can vary in severity and is diagnosed via invasive hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement (HVPG), which is considered the reference standard. Accurate diagnosis of PH and assessment of severity are highly relevant as patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are at higher risk for developing acute variceal bleeding and mortality. In this review, we discuss current and upcoming noninvasive imaging methods for diagnosis and assessment of severity of PH.

The many faces of cirrhosis

There are many different imaging features of cirrhosis, some of which are less commonly recognized. It is important that the radiologist is familiar with these features as cirrhosis can be first discovered on imaging performed for other indications, thus alerting the clinician for the need to screen for complications of cirrhosis and referral for potential treatment. This article reviews the various imaging findings of cirrhosis seen on cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen and pelvis.

Esophageal variceal hemorrhage: the role of MDCT characteristics in predicting the presence of varices and bleeding risk

PURPOSE

To investigate the associated Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) features for esophageal varices (EVs) and esophageal variceal hemorrhage (EVH), with particular emphasis on different collateral veins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cirrhotic patients who had undergone both Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (UGIT) endoscopy and contrast-enhanced MDCT within 6 months from 2013 to 2019 were included in the study. MDCT of 124 patients, 76 males and 48 females, aged between 21 and 73 years old were evaluated for presence of EV and presence and size of different collaterals. The presence and size of collaterals in patients with high-risk EVs or EVH were compared with others.

RESULTS

Findings of EV in MDCT analysis were the best predictor of EV or EVH, and presence (and/or size) of following collaterals showed a significant relationship with both EV and EVH: coronary (p = 0.006, 0.002), short gastric (SGC) (p = 0.02, < 0.001), and paraesophageal (p = 0.04, 0.01). Those presenting each aforementioned collaterals or with higher collateral size were more likely to develop the EV or EVH. Yet, other collaterals indicated no similar association: para-umbilical, omental, perisplenic, and splenorenal. Main coronary vein (p = 0.02, 0.03) and fundus (p = 0.006, 0.001) varices' sizes were also significantly higher in patients with EV or EVH. Finally, we suggested an imaging-based model (presence of SGC, SGC size > 2.5 mm, presence of EV, and coronary vein size > 3.5 mm) with 75.86% sensitivity, 76.92% specificity, and 76.36% accuracy to predict the presence of EVs according to UGIT endoscopy. Furthermore, we presented another model (presence of SGC, SGC size > 2.5 mm, presence of EV, and MELD score > 11.5 mm) to predict the occurrence of EVH with 75.86% sensitivity, 76.92% specificity, and 76.36% accuracy.

CONCLUSION

We suggested imaging characteristics for predicting EV and EVH with especial emphasis on the presence and size of various collaterals; then, we recommended reliable imaging criteria with high specificity and accuracy for predicting the EV and EVH.

Can the Computed Tomographic Aspect of Porto-Systemic Circulation in Cirrhotic Patients be Associated with the Presence of Variceal Hemorrhage?

Background and objectives: Variceal bleeding is a serious complication caused by portal hypertension, frequently encountered among cirrhotic patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the aspect of the collateral, porto-systemic circulation, as detected by CT are associated with the presence variceal hemorrhage (VH). Materials and Methods: 81 cirrhotic patients who underwent a contrast-enhanced CT examination were retrospectively included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: Cirrhotic patients with variceal hemorrhage during the hospital admission concomitant, with the CT examination (n = 33) and group 2-cirrhotic patients, without any variceal hemorrhage in their medical history (n = 48). The diameter of the left gastric vein, the presence or absence and dimensions of oesophageal and gastric varices, paraumbilical veins and splenorenal shunts were the indicators assessed on CT. Results: The univariate analysis showed a significant association between the presence of upper GI bleeding and the diameters of paraoesophageal veins, paragastric veins and left gastric vein respectively, all of these CT parameters being higher in patients with variceal bleeding. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the diameter of the left gastric vein was independently associated with the presence of variceal hemorrhage (OR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.17-2.19), p = 0.003). We found an optimal cut-off value of 3 mm for the diameter of the left gastric vein useful to discriminate among patients with variceal hemorrhage from the ones without it, with a good diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.78, Se = 97%, Sp = 45.8%, PPV = 55.2%, NPV = 95.7%).Conclusions: Our observations point out that an objective CT quantification of porto-systemic circulation can be correlated with the presence of variceal hemorrhage and the diameter of the left gastric vein can be a reliable parameter associated with this condition.

Computed tomography vs liver stiffness measurement and magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are non-invasive diagnostic methods for esophageal varices (EV) and for the prediction of high-bleeding-risk EV (HREV) in cirrhotic patients. However, the clinical use of these methods is controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the accuracy of LSM, CT, and MRI in diagnosing EV and predicting HREV in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

We performed literature searches in multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, for articles that evaluated the accuracy of LSM, CT, and MRI as candidates for the diagnosis of EV and prediction of HREV in cirrhotic patients. Summary sensitivity and specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and the areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed. The quality of the articles was assessed using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool. Heterogeneity was examined by Q-statistic test and I² index, and sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using Deek’s funnel plot. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata12.0, MetaDisc1.4, and RevMan5.3.

RESULTS

Overall, 18, 17, and 7 relevant articles on the accuracy of LSM, CT, and MRI in evaluating EV and HREV were retrieved. A significant heterogeneity was observed in all analyses (P < 0.05). The areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves of LSM, CT, and MRI in diagnosing EV and predicting HREV were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-0.89), 0.91 (95%CI: 0.88-0.93), and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.83-0.89), and 0.85 (95%CI: 0.81-0.88), 0.94 (95%CI: 0.91-0.96), and 0.83 (95%CI: 0.79-0.86), respectively, with sensitivities of 0.84 (95%CI: 0.78-0.89), 0.91 (95%CI: 0.87-0.94), and 0.81 (95%CI: 0.76-0.86), and 0.81 (95%CI: 0.75-0.86), 0.88 (95%CI: 0.82-0.92), and 0.80 (95%CI: 0.72-0.86), and specificities of 0.71 (95%CI: 0.60-0.80), 0.75 (95%CI: 0.68-0.82), and 0.82 (95%CI: 0.70-0.89), and 0.73 (95%CI: 0.66-0.80), 0.87 (95%CI: 0.81-0.92), and 0.72 (95%CI: 0.62-0.80), respectively. The corresponding positive likelihood ratios were 2.91, 3.67, and 4.44, and 3.04, 6.90, and2.83; the negative likelihood ratios were 0.22, 0.12, and 0.23, and 0.26, 0.14, and 0.28; the diagnostic odds ratios were 13.01, 30.98, and 19.58, and 11.93, 49.99, and 10.00. CT scanner is the source of heterogeneity. There was no significant difference in diagnostic threshold effects (P > 0.05) or publication bias (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the meta-analysis of observational studies, it is suggested that CT imaging, a non-invasive diagnostic method, is the best choice for the diagnosis of EV and prediction of HREV in cirrhotic patients compared with LSM and MRI.

Computed Tomographic Portography with Esophageal Variceal Measurements in the Evaluation of Esophageal Variceal Severity and Assessment of Esophageal Variceal Volume Efficacy

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study is to evaluate the severity of esophageal varices (EV), based on the computed tomographic portography (CTP) measurement of EV in the distal esophagus and to assess the prediction value of EV volume.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 53 EV patients examined by CTP within 4 weeks of upper endoscopy were evaluated, the patients were divided into a nonconspicuous EV group (mild-to-moderate EV, n = 28) and a conspicuous EV group (severe EV, n = 25) according to endoscopy results. The diameter, cross-sectional surface area (CSA), and volume of EV were measured independently using 3D-slicer (Boston) by two experienced abdominal radiologists blinded to endoscopy findings. The averaged values measured by the two observers were used in the final dataset, these indicators' predictive performances were studied by using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and the area under the curve (A_z) and the cutoff values were calculated to distinguish mild-to-moderate from severe EV.

RESULTS

The A_z values of volume, diameter and CSA in differentiating severe EV were 0.817, 0.794, and 0.784 for observer-1, corresponding values for observer-2 were 0.796, 0.774, and 0.707, there was almost perfect interobserver agreement for all measurements. All indices were larger in the conspicuous group than the nonconspicuous group in both observers (p ≤ 0.01). In the final dataset, application of a 654.0-mm³-volume criterion yielded sensitivity, specificity of 96%, 50%, application of a 5.2-mm-diameter criterion yielded sensitivity, specificity of 80%, 75%, and application of a 68.6-mm²-CSA criterion yielded sensitivity, specificity of 52%, 93%.

CONCLUSION

The volume of EV could be used as a new effective indictor for evaluating EV, and use of volume, diameter, and CSA of EV based on CTP allows discrimination between mild-to-moderate and severe EV in cirrhotic patients.

Varices on computed tomography are surrogate of clinically significant portal hypertension and can predict survival in compensated cirrhosis patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To investigate prognostic value of varices on computed tomography (CT) and redefine surrogate criteria for clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH).

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 241 patients with compensated cirrhosis who underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement from 2008 to 2013. Using CT and upper endoscopy findings obtained within 3 months from HVPG measurement, patients were classified into three groups: presence of standard surrogate for CSPH, defined as presence of varices on upper endoscopy and/or splenomegaly associated with thrombocytopenia (Group 1, n = 139); varices on CT without standard surrogate for CSPH (Group 2, n = 41); and free from both (Group 3, n = 61). HVPG value and overall survival (OS) rates were compared among three patient groups. Revised surrogate for CSPH was defined as presence of standard surrogate and/or presence of varices on CT (i.e. both Group 1 and Group 2).

RESULTS

Mean HVPG value in Group 2 was significantly higher than that in Group 3 (10.3 mmHg vs 6.5 mmHg, P < 0.001), but significantly lower than that in Group 1 (10.3 mmHg vs 13.1 mmHg, P < 0.001). Seven-year OS rates in Group 2 was similar to those in Group 1 (57.0% vs 62.7%, P = 0.591), but significantly poorer than those in Group 3 (57.0% vs 84.0%, P = 0.015). The presence of revised surrogate for CSPH was a significant predictive factor for OS (P = 0.025, Hazard ratio = 2.71 [1.14-6.45]) on multivariate analysis whereas standard surrogate for CSPH was not (P = 0.849).

CONCLUSION

The presence of varices on CT was a significant sign for CSPH, predicting poor OS outcome in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Multidetector Computed Tomography in Detection of Esophageal Varices

Objective

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the detection of esophageal varices by taking endoscopy as the reference standard.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional prospective study conducted at the Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, (AKUH) Karachi, for the duration of 12 months from August 1, 2014 to July 31, 2015. One hundred ninety-six patients with a suspicion of chronic liver disease/cirrhosis undergoing 64 slice MDCT were enrolled in our study and underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning in the Department of Radiology at AKUH. Biphasic CT was performed with images obtained during the hepatic arterial phase (30-second delay) and the portal venous phase (65-second delay) after the intravenous (IV) injection of 120 mL of nonionic contrast material at a rate of 3.5 mL/s. The presence of esophageal varices was evaluated on MDCT with endoscopy as gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value, and accuracy of MDCT were assessed against the gold standard.

Results

Our results yielded an MDCT sensitivity of 98.96%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 66.67%, and diagnostic accuracy of 98.97% for esophageal varices in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients.

Conclusion

The rate of detection of esophageal varices in patients with chronic liver disease on MDCT in our country is comparable to the international data and we advocate that MDCT should be used as a screening tool in patients with chronic liver disease to exclude esophageal varices.

Contrast-Enhanced CT May Be a Diagnostic Alternative for Gastroesophageal Varices in Cirrhosis with and without Previous Endoscopic Variceal Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Liver fibrosis blood tests, platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PSR), and contrast-enhanced CT are diagnostic alternatives for gastroesophageal varices, but they have heterogeneous diagnostic performance among different study populations. Our study is aimed at evaluating their diagnostic accuracy for esophageal varices (EVs) and gastric varices (GVs) in cirrhotic patients with and without previous endoscopic variceal therapy.

METHODS

Patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent blood tests and contrast-enhanced CT scans as well as endoscopic surveillance should be potentially eligible. EVs needing treatment (EVNTs) and GVs needing treatment (GVNTs) were recorded according to the endoscopic results. Area under the curves (AUCs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 279 patients were included. In 175 patients without previous endoscopic variceal therapy, including primary prophylaxis population (n = 70), acute bleeding population (n = 38), and previous bleeding population (n = 67), the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT for EVNTs was higher (AUCs = 0.816-0.876) as compared to blood tests and PSR; by comparison, the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT for GVNTs was statistically significant among primary prophylaxis population (AUC = 0.731, P = 0.0316), but not acute or previous bleeding population. In 104 patients with previous endoscopic variceal therapy (i.e., secondary prophylaxis population), contrast-enhanced CT was the only statistically significant alternative for diagnosing EVNTs and GVNTs but with modest accuracy (AUCs = 0.673 and 0.661, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrast-enhanced CT might be a diagnostic alternative for EVNTs in cirrhotic patients, but its diagnostic performance was slightly weakened in secondary prophylaxis population. Additionally, contrast-enhanced CT may be considered for diagnosis of GVNTs in primary prophylaxis population without previous endoscopic variceal therapy and secondary prophylaxis population.

Hepatic resection vs. transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria with portal hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of hepatic resection by comparing it with transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria with clinically relevant portal hypertension.

METHODS

A total of 363 patients and 193 propensity score-matched patients who had hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria with clinically relevant portal hypertension and underwent hepatic resection or transarterial chemoembolization were retrospectively analyzed. The short-term and long-term results were compared.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications and 30-day mortality were similar between the two groups. The hepatic resection provided a survival benefit over TACE at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. Similar results were observed in the propensity score analysis. Five variables were identified as independent prognostic factors: treatment, AFP, Child-Pugh classification, tumor number and extension of disease in a multivariate analysis of the whole study population. In addition, only the tumor number was identified as an independent risk factor after propensity matching. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the survival benefit of the hepatic resection can only be derived in a subset of patients with a single tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

In a properly selected group of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria with clinically relevant portal hypertension, hepatic resection appears to be as safe as TACE and provides a significant survival benefit.

Splenic vein reconstruction is unnecessary in pancreatoduodenectomy combined with resection of the superior mesenteric vein-portal vein confluence according to short-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

Superior mesenteric vein-portal vein confluence resection combined with pancreatoduodenectomy (SMPVrPD) is occasionally required for resection of pancreatic head tumors. It remains unclear whether such situations require splenic vein (SV) reconstruction for decompression of left-sided portal hypertension (LSPH).

METHODS

The data from 93 of 104 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic head malignancies were reviewed. Surgical outcomes in three groups-standard PD (control group), PD combined with vascular resection and SV preservation (SVp group), and SMPVrPD with SV resection (SVr group)-were compared. The influence of division and preservation of the two natural confluences (left gastric vein-portal vein and/or inferior mesenteric vein-SV confluences) on portal hemodynamics were evaluated using three-dimensional computed tomographic portography.

RESULTS

No mortality occurred. The morbidity rates were not significantly different among the three groups (18/43, 8/21, and 7/29, respectively; p = 0.306). In the SVr group, three patients had gastric remnant venous congestion, and three had esophageal varices without hemorrhagic potential. No patients had splenomegaly, or severe or prolonged thrombocytopenia. These LSPH-associated findings were less frequently observed when the two confluences were preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

SMPVrPD without SV reconstruction can be safely conducted. Additionally, preservation of these two confluences may reduce the risk of LSPH.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography Shear Wave Velocity Correlates with Liver Fibrosis and Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient in Adults with Advanced Liver Disease

Background. Portal hypertension, an elevation in the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), can be used to monitor disease progression and response to therapy in cirrhosis. Since obtaining HVPG measurements is invasive, reliable noninvasive methods of assessing portal hypertension are needed. Methods. Noninvasive markers of fibrosis, including magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) shear wave velocity, were correlated with histologic fibrosis and HVPG measurements in hepatitis C (HCV) and/or HIV-infected patients with advanced liver disease enrolled in a clinical trial of treatment with simtuzumab, an anti-LOXL2 antibody. Results. This exploratory analysis includes 23 subjects: 9 with HCV monoinfection, 9 with HIV and HCV, and 5 with HIV and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Median Ishak fibrosis score was 4 (range 1–6); 11 subjects (48%) had cirrhosis. Median HVPG was 6 mmHg (range 3–16). Liver stiffness measured by MRE correlated with HVPG (r = 0.64, p = 0.01), histologic fibrosis score (r = 0.71, p = 0.004), noninvasive fibrosis indices, including APRI (r = 0.81, p < 0.001), and soluble LOXL2 (r = 0.82, p = 0.001). On stepwise multivariate regression analysis, MRE was the only variable independently associated with HVPG (R² = 0.377, p = 0.02). Conclusions. MRE of the liver correlated independently with HVPG. MRE is a valid noninvasive measure of liver disease severity and may prove to be a useful tool for noninvasive portal hypertension assessment. Trial Registration Number. This trial is registered with NCT01707472.

Computed tomography for the diagnosis of varices in liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for varices in liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for the literature identification. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUSROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. We performed the subgroup analyses according to the location of varices, CT technique, and study design. The study quality was assessed according to the QUADAS-2 tool.

RESULTS

Seventeen papers were eligible. The study quality was modest. The AUSROC was 0.8975 and 0.9494 for predicting any size and high-risk varices, respectively. Summary sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR of CT for predicting any size and high-risk varices were 0.87/0.80/3.67/0.18/22.70 and 0.87/0.88/7.52/0.12/65.55, respectively. According to the location of varices, the AUSROC was 0.9127 for predicting any size gastric varices alone; and the AUSROC was 0.8958 and 0.9461 for predicting any size and high-risk esophageal varices alone, respectively. According to the CT technique, the AUSROC of multi-detector CT (MDCT) was 0.9047 and 0.9490 for predicting any size and high-risk varices, respectively; and the AUSROC of MDCT esophagograms for predicting any size and high-risk varices was 0.8735 and 0.9664, respectively. In the subgroup analysis of prospective studies, the AUSROC was 0.9122 and 0.9507 for predicting any size and high-risk varices, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CT had a high accuracy for the diagnosis of varices in liver cirrhosis.

Endoscopic ultrasonography predicts early esophageal variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis: A case report

RATIONALE

Bleeding esophageal and gastric varices constitute a serious complication in liver cirrhosis. Previous studies have shown that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can be used to predict early esophageal variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of a 46-year-old man with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis (CTP score, 5; Child-Pugh class, A) who was admitted to our hospital due to a decreased appetite lasting 1 week.

DIAGNOSIS

He was initially diagnosed with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis; an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan indicated a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PHT).

INTERVENTIONS

Common endoscopic examination showed no evidence of gastroesophageal varices; EUS revealed distinct varices of the esophageal and gastric veins. Six months after discharge, the patient was rehospitalized because of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic ligation was implemented as well as esophageal varices loop ligature (EVL).

OUTCOMES

Six months later, EUS showed obvious collateral and perforator veins.

LESSONS

We should strongly recommend that patients with liver cirrhosis undergo EUS in addition to a routine endoscopic examination. EUS can play an important role in evaluating the risk for bleeding in PHT and can be used to assess the efficacy of EVL.

Is computerised tomography better than fibreoptic gastroscopy for early detection of gastric varices?

Introduction

Video endoscopic diagnosis of gastric varices is particularly limited, owing to the deep submucosal or subserosal location of the varices and the normal appearance of the overlying mucosa.

Aim

We present and emphasise the value of computerised tomography (CT) examination in the early detection of gastric varices (GVs).

Material and methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 216 consecutive patients with cirrhosis were evaluated at the Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital between September 2008 and March 2011.

Results

One hundred and thirty patients with cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the male (88 cases) patients was 59.45 ±2.42 years, and the mean age of the female (42 cases) patients was 56.29 ±1.14 years. Computerised tomography identified oesophageal varices (EVs) in 103/130 patients, and endoscopy identified EVs in 103/130 patients. Computerised tomography identified GVs in 86/130 patients, and endoscopy identified GVs in 26/130 patients. After endoscopic elastic band ligation (EBL), CT identified GVs in 22/26 patients, and endoscopy identified GVs in 7/26 patients.

Conclusions

Gastric varices lie in the submucosa, deeper than EVs, and distinguishing GVs from gastric rugae may be difficult with video endoscopy. This study demonstrated that CT is a sensitive method for early detection of GVs and has been used previously in the evaluation of GVs.

Portal hypertension: Imaging of portosystemic collateral pathways and associated image-guided therapy

Portal hypertension is a common clinical syndrome, defined by a pathologic increase in the portal venous pressure. Increased resistance to portal blood flow, the primary factor in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension, is in part due to morphological changes occurring in chronic liver diseases. This results in rerouting of blood flow away from the liver through collateral pathways to low-pressure systemic veins. Through a variety of computed tomographic, sonographic, magnetic resonance imaging and angiographic examples, this article discusses the appearances and prevalence of both common and less common portosystemic collateral channels in the thorax and abdomen. A brief overview of established interventional radiologic techniques for treatment of portal hypertension will also be provided. Awareness of the various imaging manifestations of portal hypertension can be helpful for assessing overall prognosis and planning proper management.

Radiological score for hemorrhage in the patients with portal hypertension

GOAL

To analyze the risk factors from radiological indices for hemorrhage in the patients with portal hypertension and weight risk factors.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed all cases of portal hypertension with hepatitis B from June 2008 to June 2014 in Nanjing Drum Tower hospital. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, portal vein thrombosis, or portal hypertension with other causes, such as autoimmune hepatitis, pancreatitis, or hematological diseases were excluded.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were recruited and divided into hemorrhage and non-hemorrhage groups. There were no statistical differences in clinical indexes such as age, prothrombin time, serum albumin, serum creatinine, serum sodium, hemameba, and blood platelet count. However, the differences were statistically significant in total bilirubin, hemoglobin, and liver function with the p values of 0.023, 0.000, and 0.039 respectively. For radiological indices, hemorrhage was correlated with diameter of inferior mesenteric vein (P=0.0528), posterior gastric vein (P=0.0283), and esophageal varices scores (P=0.0221). Logistic procedure was used to construct the model with stepwise selection and finally inferior mesenteric vein, posterior gastric vein, esophageal varices, and short gastric vein were enrolled into the model. These veins were scored according to the diameters and the rates of hemorrhage were increased with the score. We then validated the model with 26 patents from July 2014 to December 2014. The AUC value was 0.8849 in ROC curves for this radiological model.

CONCLUSIONS

A risk model was constructed including inferior mesenteric vein, esophageal varices, posterior gastric vein, and short gastric vein. This radiological scoring model may be a valuable indicator for hemorrhage of portal hypertension.

Imaging the posterior mediastinum: a multimodality approach

The posterior mediastinum contains several structures that can produce a wide variety of pathologic conditions. Descending thoracic aorta, esophagus, azygos and hemiazygos veins, thoracic duct, lymph nodes, adipose tissue, and nerves are all located in this anatomical region and can produce diverse abnormalities. Although chest radiography may detect many of these pathologic conditions, computed tomography and magnetic resonance are the imaging modalities of choice for further defining the relationship of posterior mediastinal lesions to neighboring structures and showing specific imaging features that narrow the differential diagnosis. This review emphasizes modality-related answers to morphologic questions, which provide precise diagnostic information.

Computed tomography in evaluating gastroesophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension: A meta-analysis

AIMS

Gastroesophageal varices (GOV) is a common complication in patients with portal hypertension. We conducted a meta-analysis in attempt to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) as a noninvasive imaging tool for identifying GOV in reference to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

METHODS

A systemic literature search of multiple databases were conducted to identify articles that investigated the diagnostic performance of CT for GOV, while employing EGD as reference standard. A 2×2 table was conducted according to the available published data for both esophageal varices (EV) and gastric varices (GV) as individual subgroups. The following indices were calculated: pooled sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under receiver operating characteristics. All statistical analyses were conducted via STATA13.0 and RevMan5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies were included in this meta-analysis, 10 articles evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CT for EV (807 subjects) and 7 articles for GV (583 subjects). The pooled sensitivity and specificity for identifying EV were 0.896 (95% CI, 0.841-0.934) and 0.723 (95% CI, 0.644-0.791), respectively, with an AUROC of 0.86. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for identifying GV were 0.955 (95% CI, 0.903-0.980) and 0.658 (95% CI, 0.433-0.829), respectively, with an AUROC of 0.95. A subgroup analysis suggested varying CT technology could serve as a potential source of heterogeneity between included studies. A Deek's funnel plot indicated a low probability for publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography could potentially replace EGD as a primary screening tool for diagnosing GOV, however results should be interpreted with caution given its suboptimal specificity.

von Willebrand factor as a novel noninvasive predictor of portal hypertension and esophageal varices in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

At present, there is no perfect noninvasive method to assess portal hypertension and esophageal varices. Early predicting esophageal varices can provide evidence for managing cirrhotic patients. We aimed to further investigate von Willebrand factor (vWF) as a noninvasive predictor of portal hypertension, especially of esophageal varices.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 60 hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis and 45 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Levels of six markers were examined. All patients underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. We evaluated the performance of six factors for diagnosis of portal hypertension and esophageal varices. The vWF levels in liver tissues were observed by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between the level of vWF in liver tissues and HVPG and between levels of vWF in tissues and plasma were examined.

RESULTS

Cutoff values of plasma vWF (1510.5 mU/mL and 1701 mU/mL) showed high positive predictive value (PPV, 90.2% and 87.5%) in predicting clinically significant portal hypertension and severe portal hypertension. Cutoff values of vWF (1414 mU/ml and 1990 mU/mL, PPV 90.3% and 86.3%, respectively) were provided to detect the presence and degree of esophageal varices. Linear correlations were observed between levels of vWF in liver tissues and HVPG (r(2) = 0.552, p < 0.001) and between the level of vWF in liver tissues and in plasma (r(2) = 0.461, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The vWF is a noninvasive predictor of portal hypertension and esophageal varices in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. Increased levels of vWF in liver tissues may induce the elevated plasma vWF levels, but molecular mechanism is needed for further study.

Multidetector computed tomography versus platelet/spleen diameter ratio as methods for the detection of gastroesophageal varices

BACKGROUND

All patients with liver cirrhosis should undergo screening endoscopy, but there are limitations and this approach places a heavy burden upon endoscopy units. The aim of this study was to compare multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and the platelet/spleen diameter ratio as non-invasive methods for the detection of gastroesophageal varices.

METHODS

The study included 38 cirrhotics who underwent upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and MDCT within one month. Two radiologists reviewed the scans, in order to determine the presence and the size of varices. Blood tests and measurement of the spleen maximum diameter were also carried out and the platelet/spleen diameter ratio was calculated. Endoscopy was considered the gold standard and the results of the two methods were compared to it.

RESULTS

Varices were detected by upper GI endoscopy in 24 of 38 patients. The mean sensitivity and specificity of MDCT for the two observers was 86.1% and 57.1% respectively. In patients with large varices (>5 mm), the sensitivity was 100% (4/4). Using 909 as a cut-off value of the platelet/spleen diameter ratio this method yielded a sensitivity of 56.5% and a specificity of 35.7%. The difference in sensitivity and specificity between the two methods was statistically significant P<0.05.

CONCLUSION

MDCT was accurate for the detection of gastroesophageal varices, especially those with clinically significant size (>5 mm), and superior to platelet/spleen diameter ratio. MDCT could replace, in selected patients, upper GI endoscopy as a method for detecting gastroesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients.

The role of liver stiffness measurement in the evaluation of liver function and esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in predicting the presence and severity of esophageal varices (EV) and investigating its association with liver function (LF) in patients with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Medical records of 90 cirrhotic patients who underwent LSM by transient elastography were retrospectively reviewed. The relationship between LSM and the presence and severity of EV was evaluated by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT). Another 25 healthy individuals were included as controls.

RESULTS

LSM was significantly associated with the Child-Pugh score in cirrhotic patients, with the highest LSM in those with Child-Pugh C. Patients with clinically decompensated cirrhosis had a higher LSM than those with compensated cirrhosis (36.75 ± 16.54 kPa vs 17.65 ± 10.87 kPa, P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in LSM value between patients with severe EV and those with no or non-severe EV determined by endoscopy (28.18 ± 17.44 kPa vs 31.00 ± 18.44 kPa) or MSCT (29.71 ± 18.39 kPa vs 24.90 ± 14.80 kPa). The diagnostic value of LSM for predicting severe EV was low in unselected cirrhotic patients. The presence of EV examined by EGD and MSCT was similar to each other.

CONCLUSIONS

LSM could be used to evaluate the progression of liver cirrhosis continuously. However, its role in assessing EV grades in advanced cirrhosis needs further confirmation. MSCT can assess EV accurately and may serve as an alternative to endoscopy in the assessment of portal hypertension.

The cost of screening esophageal varices: traditional endoscopy versus computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

Under current guidelines, patients diagnosed with cirrhosis are to undergo initial and continued screening endoscopy for esophageal varices throughout the course of disease. Recent literature suggests that computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen is adequately sensitive for detecting grade 3 varices, those in need of immediate intervention. This study presents a cost comparison of traditional endoscopy versus CT of the abdomen.

METHODS

Using TreeAge Pro software, a budget impact cost model was created for a hypothetical managed care organization covering 1 million lives over a 10-year period. Incidence figures for cirrhosis and the progression of esophageal varices were applied to the patient population. National Medicare reimbursement costs were used to compare screening with traditional endoscopy versus CT. Costs utilizing screening with combined endoscopy and CT were also examined.

RESULTS

The results of comparing screening paradigms under a budget impact cost model results in an outcome measure termed "per-member, per-month" (PMPM) cost of implementing a new strategy. Computed tomography was the least expensive modality with an average 10-year cost per screened patient of $1097.30 and PMPM of $0.03. Endoscopy was the most expensive modality with an average 10-year cost per screened patient of $1464.89 and PMPM of $0.04.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography has been shown to be sensitive in detecting esophageal varices and now less costly to implement in screening. The cost of esophageal rupture in endoscopy and the less costly risk of contrast reaction as well as radiation exposure in CT of the abdomen should be considered when developing a screening paradigm.

Esophageal varices on computed tomography and subsequent variceal hemorrhage

PURPOSE

Endoscopy is recommended to screen for esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to identify features on abdominal CT imaging associated variceal hemorrhage (VH).

METHODS

A case-control study was performed among patients with cirrhosis who had a CT scan. Consecutive patients who experienced VH were included as cases, and patients without VH served as controls. Two radiologists recorded the maximal esophageal varix diameter in addition to other measures of portal hypertension at CT.

RESULTS

The most powerful CT parameter associated with VH was the esophageal varix diameter (5.8 vs. 2.7 mm, p < 0.001; adjusted OR 1.84 per mm, p = 0.009). 63% of individuals with VH had a maximal varix diameter ≥5 mm compared to 7.5% of cirrhotic patients without VH (p < 0.001). In contrast, the proportion of individuals whose largest varix was <3 mm was 7.4% among VH cases compared to 54.7% among controls (p = 0.001). The varix diameter powerfully discriminated those with and without VH (C-statistic 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

A large esophageal varix diameter is strongly associated with subsequent VH. A threshold of <3 and ≥5 mm appears to identify patients with cirrhosis at low and high risk for hemorrhage.

Invasive and noninvasive methods to diagnose portal hypertension and esophageal varices

Assessing the presence of clinically significant portal hypertension and esophageal varices is clinically important in cirrhosis. The reference standard techniques to assess the presence of portal hypertension and varices are the measurement of the hepatic vein pressure gradient and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, respectively. Some newer methods have shown a good performance, but none has been proven precise enough to replace hepatic vein pressure gradient measurement or esophagogastroduodenoscopy for the diagnosis of portal hypertension or the presence and grade of esophageal varices.

Diagnostic performance of using effervescent powder for detection and grading of esophageal varices by multi-detector computed tomography

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of using effervescent powder (EP) on the efficacy of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in detection and grading of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients by considering endoscopy as the gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-two cirrhotic patients undergoing biphasic liver MDCT followed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy within 4 weeks of MDCT were prospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups before MDCT. The first group (n=50) received effervescent powder (EP) before and during MDCT procedure and the second group did not receive (n=42). The presence, size and grade of the esophageal varices were evaluated. MDCT findings were compared with endoscopic results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of MDCT with EP and without EP were calculated and compared. Correlations between the grades of the varices for each group based on MDCT imaging and endoscopic grading were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of MDCT were 100%, 88%, 96%, 94%, and 100%, respectively, in the EP group, whereas they were 76%, 67%, 74%, 89%, and 43%, respectively, in the non-EP group. Correlations between the grades of the esophageal varices on MDCT and endoscopy were significant in both groups (r=0.94, p<0.001 for EP group and r=0.70, p<0.001 for non-EP group).

CONCLUSION

During periodic CT scanning of cirrhotic patients, use of EP increases the success rate of MDCT for detection and grading of esophageal varices.