Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Bangladeshi children:Analysis of 100 cases

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)is defined as bleeding that occurs proximal to the ligament of Treitz and can sometimes lead to potentially serious and life-threatening clinical situations in children.Globally,the cause of UGIB differs significantly depending on the geographic location,patient population and presence of comorbid conditions.AIM To observe endoscopic findings of UGIB in children at a tertiary care center of Bangladesh.METHODS This retrospective study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University,a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh,between January 2017 and January 2019.Data collected from hospital records of 100 children who were 16 years of age or younger,came with hematemesis,melena or both hematemesis and melena.All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy(Olympus CV 1000 upper gastrointestinal video endoscope)after initial stabilization.Necessary investigations to diagnose portal hypertension and chronic liver disease with underlying causes for management purposes were also done.RESULTS A total of 100 patients were studied.UGIB was common in the age group 5-10 years(42%),followed by above 10 years(37%).Hematemesis was the most common presenting symptom(75%)followed by both hematemesis and melena(25%).UGIB from ruptured esophageal varices was the most common cause(65%)on UGI endoscopy followed by gastric erosion(5%)and prolapsed gastropathy(2%).We observed that 23%of children were normal after endoscopic examination.CONCLUSION Ruptured esophageal varices were the most common cause of UGIB in children in Bangladesh.Other causes included gastric erosions and prolapsed gastropathy syndrome.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by esophageal right bronchial artery fistula:A case report

BACKGROUND Fistula between the esophagus and bronchial artery is an extremely rare and potentially life-threatening cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Here,we report a case of fistula formation between the esophagus and a nonaneurysmal right bronchial artery(RBA).CASE SUMMARY An 80-year-old woman with previous left pneumonectomy and recent placement of an uncovered self-expandable metallic stent for esophageal adenocarcinoma was admitted due to hematemesis.Emergent computed tomography showed indirect signs of fistulization between the esophagus and a nonaneurysmal RBA,in the absence of active bleeding.Endoscopy revealed the esophageal stent correctly placed and a moderate amount of red blood within the stomach,in the absence of active bleeding or tumor ingrowth/overgrowth.After prompt multidisciplinary evaluation,a step-up approach was planned.The bleeding was successfully controlled by esophageal restenting followed by RBA embolization.No signs of rebleeding were observed and the patient was discharged home with stable hemoglobin level on postoperative day 7.CONCLUSION This was a previously unreported case of an esophageal RBA fistula successfully managed by esophageal restenting followed by RBA embolization.

Predictors of esophageal varices and first variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis patients

To assess “predictors” of esophageal varices (EV) and variceal bleeding using non-invasive markers in Albanian patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. METHODSOne hundred thirty-nine newly diagnosed cirrhotic patients without variceal bleeding were included in this analysis. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AST/ALT), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), platelet count to spleen diameter (PC/SD), fibrosis-4-index (FIB-4), fibrosis index (FI) and King’s Score were measured for all participants. All patients underwent endoscopic assessment within two days of hospitalization. The major end point was the first esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) event. The diagnostic performance of “predictors” for the presence of EV and EVB were assessed by sensitivity and specificity values obtained from the receiver operating characteristics procedure. RESULTSFIB-4 was the only strong and significant “predictor” of esophageal varices (multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.57 for one unit increment; 95%CI: 1.15-2.14). Furthermore, a cut-off value of 3.23 for FIB-4 was a significant predictor of esophageal varices, with a sensitivity of 72%, a specificity of 58% and a proportion of area under the curve (AUC) of 66% (P = 0.01). During the follow-up (median: 31.5 mo; interquartile range: 11-59 mo), 34 patients (24%) experienced a first EVB. FIB-4 was a poor predictor of EVB (the AUC was only 51%) for a cut-off value of 5.02. Furthermore, the AUC of AST/ALT, APRI, PC/SD, FI, MELD and King’s Score ranged from 45% to 55%. None of the non-invasive markers turned out to be a useful predictor of EVB. CONCLUSIONDespite the low diagnostic accuracy, FIB-4 appears the most efficient non-invasive liver fibrosis marker which can be used as an initial screening tool for cirrhotic patients.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension in a patient with primary myelofibrosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical emergency that has a 10%hospital mortality rate.According to the etiology,this disease can be divided into acute varicose veins and nonvaricose veins.Bleeding from esophageal varices is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension.Portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome defined as a portal venous pressure that exceeds 10 mmHg.Cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension,and thrombosis of the portal system not associated with liver cirrhosis is the second most common cause of portal hypertension in the Western world.Primary myeloproliferative disorders are the main cause of portal venous thrombosis,and somatic mutations in the Janus kinase 2 gene(JAK2 V617F)can be found in approximately 90% of polycythemia vera,50% of essential thrombocyrosis and 50% of primary myelofibrosis.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case of primary myelofibrosis with gastrointestinal bleeding as the primary manifestation that presented as portal-superior-splenic mesenteric vein thrombosis.Peripheral blood tests revealed the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation.Bone marrow biopsy ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of myelofibrosis(MF-2 grade).CONCLUSION In patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension and vein thrombosis without cirrhosis,the possibility of myeloproliferative neoplasms should be considered,and the JAK2 mutation test should be performed.

Endoscopic findings in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding clinically classified into three risk groups prior to endoscopy

AIM: To investigate in a prospective study whether a simplifi ed clinical score prior to endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) patients was able to predict endoscopic findings at urgent endoscopy. METHODS: All consecutive UGIB patients referred to a single endoscopic center during a 16 mo period were enrolled. Before endoscopy patients were strati- fied according to a simple clinical score (T-score), including T1 (high-risk), T2 (intermediate-risk) and T3 (low-risk). Endoscopy was performed in all cases within 2 h, and high-risk stigmata were considered for further analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 436 patients included into the study, 126 (29%) resulted to be T1, 135 (31%) T2, and 175 (40%) T3. Overall, stigmata of recent haem-orrhage (SRH) were detected in 118 cases (27%). SRH occurred more frequently in T1 patients than in T2/T3 cases (85% vs 3.2%; χ2 = 304.5309, P < 0.001). Older age (t=3.311; P < 0.01) and presence of comor-bidities (χ2 = 14.7458; P < 0.01) were more frequently detected in T1 than in T2/T3 patients. CONCLUSION: Our simplifi ed clinical score appeared to be associated with the detection of endoscopic findings which may deserve urgent endoscopy. A further,randomised study is needed to assess its accuracy in safely scheduling endoscopy in UGIB patients.

Surviving a Catastrophic Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Caused by Esophageal-Subclavian Fistula: Case Report

Arterio-esophageal fistula (AEF), whether congenital or acquired, is a rare condition which can lead to fatal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We report here a young man who developed a subclavian-esophageal fistula (SEF) secondary to chicken bone impaction in the upper esophagus. The diagnosis was reached by urgent upper endoscopy and Computed Tomography of the chest which showed pseudo-aneurysmal changes at left subclavian artery with leaked contrast through the fistula towered the esophagus. Urgent endo-vascular angiography confirmed the subclavian arterio-esophageal fistula that was managed uneventfully using covered 6mm Viban stent-graft. The patient survived this serious condition and was discharged home in good condition.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding at a Public Referal Hospital in Malawi

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency. Timely and appropriate treatment can be lifesaving. Where medical equipment and supplies are inadequate, management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is challenging. Methods: A retrospective review of charts of patients who were admitted during the year 2010, with a diagnosis of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB), was done at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi. A Rockall score was applied to determine mortality risk. Results: A total number of 187 records (119 men and 68 women, mean age of 40.7 ± 15.3 years) were reviewed. The mortality rate was 23.5%, with a non-significant gender difference. Bleeding oesophageal varices were the most common clinical cause of UGIB (42.8%), with more males (63.1%) than females affected. About 40% of patients had no cause of UGIB indicated in their records. 14 (7.5%) patients had a normal oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD). Oesophageal tumor was present in 2.7% of the subjects as a cause of UGIB. Access to endoscopy, for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, and surgery (Hassab procedure) was available to less than 50% of the patients. Sixteen patients (9.5%) had surgery after endoscopy due to lack of variceal banding materials.?Conclusion:?Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is an important and common clinical problem at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Oesophageal varices seem to be the commonest cause of UGIB. Inadequacy of resuscitation materials and perhaps timely diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic and surgical interventions are important limiting factors to favourable patient outcome. Work towards regular provision and supply of interventional resources regarding UGIB management may improve patient outcome.

Endoscopic treatment of esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis

Variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension with a six-week mortality rate of approximately 20%. Patients with medium- or largesized varices can be treated for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding using two strategies: non-selective beta-blockers(NSBBs) or endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL). Both treatments are equally effective. Patients with acute variceal bleeding are critically ill patients. The available data suggest that vasoactive drugs, combined with endoscopic therapy and antibiotics, are the best treatment strategy with EVL being the endoscopic procedure of choice. In cases of uncontrolled bleeding, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) with polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)-covered stents are recommended. Approximately 60% of the patients experience rebleeding, with a mortality rate of 30%. Secondary prophylaxis should start on day six following the initial bleeding episode. The combination of NSBBs and EVL is the recommended management, whereas TIPS with PTFE-covered stents are the preferred option in patients who fail endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment. Apart from injection sclerotherapy and EVL, other endoscopic procedures, including tissue adhesives, endoloops, endoscopic clipping and argon plasma coagulation, have been used in the management of esophageal varices. However, their efficacy and safety, compared to standard endoscopic treatment, remain to be further elucidated. There are safety issues accompanying endoscopic techniques with aspiration pneumonia occurring at a rate of approximately 2.5%. In conclusion, future research is needed to improve treatment strategies, including novel endoscopic techniques with better efficacy, lower cost, and fewer adverse events.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding etiology score for predicting variceal and non-variceal bleeding

AIM： To identify clinical parameters, and develop an Upper Gastrointesinal Bleeding （UGIB） Etiology Score for predicting the types of UGIB and validate the score. METHODS： Patients with UGIB who underwent endoscopy within 72 h were enrolled. Clinical and basic laboratory parameters were prospectively collected. Predictive factors for the types of UGIB were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses and were used to generate the UGIB Etiology Score. The best cutoff of the score was defined from the receiver operating curve and prospectively validated in another set of patients with UGIB. RESULTS： Among 261 patients with UGIB, 47 （18%） had variceal and 214 （82%） had non-variceal bleeding. Univariate analysis identified 27 distinct parameters significantly associated with the types of UGIB. Logistic regression analysis identified only 3 independent factors for predicting variceal bleeding; previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease （OR 22.4, 95% CI 8.3-60.4, P 〈 0.001）, red vomitus （OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.8-11.9, P = 0.02）, and red nasogastric （NG） aspirate （OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.3, P = 0.011）. The UGIB Etiology Score was calculated from （3.1× previous diagnosis of cirrhosis or signs of chronic liver disease） ＋ （1.5× red vomitus） ＋ （1.2× red NG aspirate）, when 1 and 0 are used for the presence and absence of each factor, respectively. Using a cutoff ≥ 3.1, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value （PPV）, and negative predictive value （NPV） in predicting variceal bleeding were 85%, 81%, 82%, 50%, and 96%, respectively. The score was prospectively validated in cases （46 variceal and 149 another set of 195 UGIB non-variceal bleeding）. The PPV and NPV of a score ≥ 3.1 for variceal bleeding were 79% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSION： The UGIB Etiology Score, composed of 3 parameters, using a cutoff ≥ 3.1 accurately predicted variceal bleeding and may help to guide the choice of initial therapy for UGIB before endoscopy.

Trends on gastrointestinal bleeding and mortality:Where are we standing?

Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract and its management are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The predisposing factors that led to the occurrence of these hemorrhagic instances are largely linked to the life style of the affected persons.Designing a new strategy aimed at educating the publics and improving their awareness of the problem could effectively help in eradicating this problem with no associated risks and in bringing the mortality rates down to almost zero.

Role of argon plasma coagulation in treatment of esophageal varices

With the development of endoscopic therapy,argon plasma coagulation(APC)has been widely used by endoscopists.It has many advantages,such as simple to operate,low cost,and minimal invasiveness.Because of its capability of lesion ablation and hemostasis,APC has several indications in the gastrointestinal tract.One of them is esophageal varices.The aim of this review is to summarize the research on APC in this field to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Can platelet count/spleen diameter ratio be used for cirrhotic children to predict esophageal varices?

AIM To determine the laboratory and radiologic parameters, including the platelet count(PC)-to-spleen diameter(SD) ratio as a non-invasive marker that may predict the presence of esophageal varices(EV) in children with cirrhosis.METHODS Eighty-nine patients with cirrhosis, but without a history of variceal bleeding were prospectively included. The children were grouped into 6-12 and 12-18 years of age groups. These groups were also divided into 2 subgroups(presence and absence of EV). All of the patients underwent a complete biochemical and radiologic evaluation. The PC(n/mm^3)-to-SD(mm) ratio was calculated for each patient. RESULTS Sixty-nine of 98(70.4%) patients had EV. The presence of ascites in all age groups was significantly associatedwith the presence of EV. There were no differences in serum albumin levels, PC, SD and the PC-to-SD ratio between the presence and absence of EV groups in both age groups(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Laboratory and radiologic parameters, including the PC-to-SD ratio as a non-invasive marker(except for the presence of ascites), was inappropriate for detecting EV in children with cirrhosis.

Endoscopic advances in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A review

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as the bleeding originating from the esophagus to the ligament of Treitz and further classified into variceal and nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding.Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains a common clinical problem globally.It is associated with high mortality,morbidity,and cost of the health care system.Despite the continuous improvement of therapeutic endoscopy,the 30-d readmission rate secondary to rebleeding and associated mortality is an ongoing issue.Available Food and Drug Administration approved traditional or conventional therapeutic endoscopic modalities includes epinephrine injection,argon plasma coagulation,heater probe,and placement of through the scope clip,which can be used alone or in combination to decrease the risk of rebleeding.Recently,more attention has been paid to the novel advanced endoscopic devices for primary treatment of the bleeding lesion and as a secondary measure when conventional therapies fail to achieve hemostasis.This review highlights emerging endoscopic modalities used in the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal related bleeding such as over-the-scope clip,Coagrasper,hemostatic sprays,radiofrequency ablation,cryotherapy,endoscopic suturing devices,and endoscopic ultrasound-guided angiotherapy.In this review article,we will also discuss the technical aspects of the common procedures,outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy,and their advantages and limitations in the setting of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

In-hospital acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: What is the scope of the problem?

BACKGROUND Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding(AUGIB)is a frequently encountered condition in the Gastroenterology field with a mortality rate of 10-14%.Despite recent newer innovations and advancements in endoscopic techniques and available medications,the mortality rate associated with AUGIB remained persistently elevated.AIM To explore mortality,characteristics and outcome differences between hospitalized patients who develop AUGIB while in-hospital,and patients who initially present with AUGIB.METHODS This is a retrospective of patients who presented to Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital from October 2012 to October 2016 with AUGIB that was confirmed endoscopically.Patients were divided in two groups:Group 1 comprised patients who developed AUGIB during their hospital stay;group 2 consisted of patients who initially presented with AUGIB as their main complaint.Patient characteristics,time to endoscopy,endoscopy findings and interventions,and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between groups.RESULTS A total of 336 patients were included.Group 1 consisted of 139 patients and group 2 of 196 patients.Mortality was significantly higher in the 1st group compared to the 2nd(20%vs 3.1%,P≤0.05).Increased length of stay(LOS)was noted in the 1st group(13 vs 6,P≤0.05).LOS post-endoscopy,vasopressor use,number of packed red blood cell units and patients requiring fresh frozen plasma were higher in group 1.Inpatients were more likely to be on corticosteroids,antiplatelets and anticoagulants.Conversely,the mean time from bleeding to undergoing upper endoscopy was significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2.CONCLUSION In-hospital AUGIB is associated with high mortality and morbidity despite a shorter time to endoscopy.Larger scale studies assessing the role of increased comorbidities and antithrombotic use in this setting are warranted.

Wireless capsule endoscopy: Perspectives beyond gastrointestinal bleeding

Wireless capsule endoscopy(CE) is a technology developed for the endoscopic exploration of the small bowel. The first capsule model was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2001, and its first and essential indication was occult gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding. Over subsequent years, this technology has been refined to provide superior resolution, increased battery life, and capabilities to view different parts of the GI tract. Indeed, cases for which CE proved useful have increased significantly over the last few years, with new indications for the small bowel and technical improvements that have expanded its use to other parts of the GI tract, including the esophagus and colon. The main challenges in the development of CE are new devices with the ability to provide therapy, air inflation for a better vision of the small bowel, biopsy sampling systems attached to the capsule and the possibility to guide and move the capsule with an external motion control. In this article we review the current and new indications of CE, and the evolving technological changes shaping this technology, which has a promising potential in the coming future of gastroenterology.

Effects of postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors on gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic variceal treatment during hospitalization

BACKGROUND Endoscopic variceal treatment(EVT)is recommended as the mainstay choice for the management of high-risk gastroesophageal varices and acute variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis.Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)are widely used for various gastric acid-related diseases.However,the effects of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications,especially gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB),remain controversial.AIM To evaluate the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on post-EVT complications in patients with liver cirrhosis during hospitalization.METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command,treated by an attending physician between January 2016 and June 2020 and underwent EVT during their hospitalization were included.Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications during hospitalization.Odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were calculated.RESULTS A total of 143 patients were included.The incidence of post-EVT GIB and other post-EVT complications was 4.90%and 46.85%,respectively.In the overall analyses,postoperative use of PPIs did not significantly reduce the risk of post-EVT GIB(OR=0.525,95%CI=0.113-2.438,P=0.411)or other post-EVT complications(OR=0.804,95%CI=0.413-1.565,P=0.522).In the subgroup analyses according to the enrollment period,type and route of PPIs after the index EVT,use of PPIs before the index EVT,use of vasoactive drugs after the index EVT,indication of EVT(prophylactic and therapeutic),and presence of portal venous system thrombosis,ascites,and hepatocellular carcinoma,the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the risk of post-EVT GIB or other post-EVT complications remain not statistically significant.CONCLUSION Routine use of PPIs after EVT should not be recommended in patients with liver cirrhosis for the prevention of post-EVT complications during hospitalization.

Non-invasive model for predicting high-risk esophageal varices based on liver and spleen stiffness

BACKGROUND Acute bleeding due to esophageal varices(EVs)is a life-threatening complication in patients with cirrhosis.The diagnosis of EVs is mainly through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy,but the discomfort,contraindications and complications of gastrointestinal endoscopic screening reduce patient compliance.According to the bleeding risk of EVs,the Baveno VI consensus divides varices into high bleeding risk EVs(HEVs)and low bleeding risk EVs(LEVs).We sought to identify a non-invasive prediction model based on spleen stiffness measurement(SSM)and liver stiffness measurement(LSM)as an alternative to EVs screening.AIM To develop a safe,simple and non-invasive model to predict HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis and identify patients who can be exempted from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.METHODS Data from 200 patients with viral cirrhosis were included in this study,with 140 patients as the modelling group and 60 patients as the external validation group,and the EVs types of patients were determined by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the Baveno Ⅵ consensus.Those patients were divided into the HEVs group(66 patients)and the LEVs group(74 patients).The effect of each parameter on HEVs was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses,and a noninvasive prediction model was established.Finally,the discrimination ability,calibration ability and clinical efficacy of the new model were verified in the modelling group and the external validation group.RESULTS Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that SSM and LSM were associated with the occurrence of HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis.On this basis,logistic regression analysis was used to construct a prediction model:Ln[P/(1-P)]=-8.184-0.228×SSM+0.642×LSM.The area under the curve of the new model was 0.965.When the cut-off value was 0.27,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the model for predicting HEVs were 100.00%,82.43%,83.52%,and 100%,respectively.Compared with the four prediction models of liver stiffness-spleen diameter to platelet ratio score,variceal risk index,aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio,and Baveno VI,the established model can better predict HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis.CONCLUSION Based on the SSM and LSM measured by transient elastography,we established a non-invasive prediction model for HEVs.The new model is reliable in predicting HEVs and can be used as an alternative to routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screening,which is helpful for clinical decision making.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A stitch on time saves nine

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is common and often needs timely intervention for optimal outcomes.Esophageal bleeding may occur due to local advancement of malignancy or bleeding from an arterio-oesophageal fistula.We discuss the management options available for such cases.

Gastrointestinal bleeding 30 years after a complicated cholecystectomy

Gastrointestinal bleeding from small-bowel varices is a rare and difficult to treat complication of portal hypertension. We describe the case of a 79-year-old female patient with recurrent severe hemorrhage from smallbowel varices 30 years after a complicated cholecystectomy. When double balloon enteroscopy was unsuccessful to reach the site of bleeding, a rendezvous approach was favored with intraoperative endoscopy. Active bleeding from varices within a biliodigestive anastomosis was found and controlled by endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate. Intraoperative endoscopy should be considered in the case of life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage that is not accessible by conventional endoscopy.

Letter to editor‘Non-invasive model for predicting high-risk esophageal varices based on liver and spleen stiffness’

predicting high-risk esophageal varices based on liver and spleen stiffness".Acute bleeding caused by esophageal varices is a life-threatening complication in patients with liver cirrhosis.Due to the discomfort,contraindications,and associated complications of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screening,it is crucial to identify an imaging-based non-invasive model for predicting high-risk esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.