Reinforcing the management of type 1 gastric esophageal varices

Variceal bleed represents an important complication of cirrhosis,with its presence reflecting the severity of liver disease.Gastric varices,though less frequently seen than esophageal varices,present a distinct clinical challenge due to its higher intensity of bleeding and associated mortality.Based upon the Sarin classification,GOV1 is the most common subtype of gastric varices seen in clinical practice.

Non-invasive assessment of esophageal varices:Status of today

With increasing burden of compensated cirrhosis,we desperately need noninvasive methods for assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension.The use of liver and spleen stiffness measurement helps in deferring unnecessary endoscopies for low risk esophageal varices.This would reduce cost and patient discomfort.However,these special techniques may not be feasible at remote areas where still we need only biochemical parameters.More prospective studies validating the non-invasive risk prediction models are definitely needed.

Platelet counts to spleen diameter ratio:A promising noninvasive tool for predicting esophageal varices in cirrhosis patients

BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of progressive liver fibrosis as a consequence of chronic liver inflammation,wherein the standard hepatic architecture is replaced by regenerative hepatic nodules,which eventually lead to liver failure.Cirrhosis without any symptoms is referred to as compensated cirrhosis.Complications such as ascites,variceal bleeding,and hepatic encephalopathy indicate the onset of decompensated cirrhosis.Gastroesophageal varices are the hallmark of clini-cally significant portal hypertension.AIM To determine the accuracy of the platelet count-to-spleen diameter(PC/SD)ratio to evaluate esophageal varices(EV)in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specia-lized Hospital and Adera Medical Center from January 1,2019,to December 30,2023.Data were collected via chart review and direct patient interviews using structured questionnaires.The data were exported to the SPSS software version 26 for analysis and clearance.A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted for splenic diameter,platelet count,and PC/SD ratio to obtain sensitivity,speci-ficity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,positive likelihood ratio,and negative likelihood ratio.RESULTS Of the 140 participants,67%were men.Hepatitis B(38%)was the most common cause of cirrhosis,followed by cryptogenic cirrhosis(28%)and hepatitis C(16%).Approximately 83.6%of the participants had endoscopic evidence of EV,whereas 51.1%had gastric varices.Decompensated cirrhosis and PC were associated with the presence of EV with adjusted odds ratios of 12.63(95%CI:3.16-67.58,P=0.001)and 0.14(95%CI:0.037-0.52,P=0.004),respectively.A PC/SD ratio<1119 had a sensitivity of 86.32%and specificity of 70%with area under the curve of 0.835(95%CI:0.736-0.934,P<0.001).CONCLUSION A PC/SD ratio<1119 predicts EV in patients with cirrhosis.It is a valuable,noninvasive tool for EV risk assess-ment in resource-limited settings.

Self-expanding metal stent for relieving the stricture after endoscopic injection for esophageal varices

BACKGROUND Esophageal stricture is one of the complications after esophageal varices sclero-therapy injection(ESI),and the incidence rate is between 2%-10%.AIM To explore the efficacy of self-expanding metal stent(SEMS)for the stricture after endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate(CYA)and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of SEMS to improve the stricture after endoscopic injection with CYA and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices in 4 patients from February 2023 to June 2023.RESULTS The strictures were improved in four patients after stenting.The stent was removed after two weeks because of chest pain with embedding into esophageal mucosa in one patient.The stent was removed after one month,however,the stent was reinserted because of the strictures happening again in two patients.The stent was removed after three months,however,the stent was reinserted because of the strictures happening again in one patient.The stent embedded into esophageal mucosa in three patients.There were 3 patients suffered reflux esophagitis,and the acid reflux was relieved by taking hydrotalcite.There was no other complication of esophageal perforation,bleeding from varices or infection.CONCLUSION SEMS may relieve the stricture which happened after endoscopic injection with CYA and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices.However,when we should remove the stent still needs to be explored.

Transparent cap adjusted the stent placed for stenosis after endoscopic injection of esophageal varices:A case report

BACKGROUND The stent embedded in the esophageal mucosa is one of the complications after stenting for esophageal stricture.We present a case of stent adjustment with the aid of a transparent cap after endoscopic injection of an esophageal varices stent.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old male patient came to the hospital with discomfort of the chest after the stent implanted for the stenosis because of endoscopic injection of esophageal varices.The gastroscopy was performed,and the stent embedded into the esophageal mucosa.At first,we pulled the recycling line for shrinking the stent,however,the mucosa could not be removed from the stent.Then a forceps was performed to remove the mucosa in the stent,nevertheless,the bleeding form the mucosa was obvious.And then,we used a transparent cap to scrape the mucosa along the stent,and the mucosa were removed successfully without bleeding.CONCLUSION A transparent cap helps gastroscopy to remove the mucosa embedded in the stent after endoscopic injection of the esophageal varices stent.

Biopsy forceps are useful for measuring esophageal varices in vitro

BACKGROUND To avoid acute variceal bleeding in cirrhosis,current guidelines recommend screening for high-risk esophageal varices(EVs)by determining variceal size and identifying red wale markings.However,visual measurements of EV during routine endoscopy are often inaccurate.AIM To determine whether biopsy forceps(BF)could be used as a reference to improve the accuracy of binary classification of variceal size.METHODS An in vitro self-made EV model with sizes ranging from 2 to 12 mm in diameter was constructed.An online image-based survey comprising 11 endoscopic images of simulated EV without BF and 11 endoscopic images of EV with BF was assembled and sent to 84 endoscopists.The endoscopists were blinded to the actual EV size and evaluated the 22 images in random order.RESULTS The respondents included 48 academic and four private endoscopists.The accuracy of EV size estimation was low in both the visual(13.81%)and BF-based(20.28%)groups.The use of open forceps improved the ability of the endoscopists to correctly classify the varices by size(small≤5 mm,large>5 mm)from 71.85%to 82.17%(P<0.001).CONCLUSION BF may improve the accuracy of EV size assessment,and its use in clinical practice should be investigated.

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.

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.

Sonographic gallbladder wall thickness measurement and the prediction of esophageal varices among cirrhotics

Acute variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension(PHT) is the most serious emergency complication among those patients and could have catastrophic outcomes if not timely managed. Early screening by esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy(EGD) for the presence of esophageal varices(EVs) is currently recommended by the practice guidelines for all cirrhotic patients. Meanwhile, EGD is not readily accepted or preferred by many patients. The literature is rich in studies to investigate and validate non-invasive markers of EVs prediction aiming at reducing the unneeded endoscopic procedures. Gallbladder(GB) wall thickness(GBWT) measurement has been found promising in many published research articles. We aim to highlight the validity of sonographic GBWT measurement in the prediction of EVs based on the available evidence. We searched databases including Cochrane library, Pub Med, Web of Science and many others for relevant articles. GBWT is associated with the presence of EVs in cirrhotic patients with PHT of different etiologies. The cut-off of GBWT that can predict the presence of EVs varied in the literature and ranges from 3.1 mm to 4.35 mm with variable sensitivities of 46%-90.9% and lower cutoffs in viral cirrhosis compared to non-viral, however GBWT > 4 mm in many studies is associated with acceptable sensitivity up to 90%. Furthermore, a relation was also noticed with the degree of varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy.Among cirrhotics, GBWT > 3.5 mm predicts the presence of advanced(grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ) EVs with a sensitivity of 45%, the sensitivity increased to 92% when a cut-off ≥ 3.95 mm was used in another cohort. Analysis of these results should carefully be revised in the context of ascites, hypoalbuminemia and other intrinsic GB diseases among cirrhotic patients. The sensitivity for prediction of EVs improved upon combining GBWT measurement with other non-invasive predictors, e.g., platelets/GBWT.

Correlation of Platelet Count with Grading of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Background/Aims: Cirrhosis represents a late stage of progressive hepatic fibrosis and is generally considered to be irreversible in its advanced stages. Esophageal varix is a complication of liver cirrhosis and is the consequence of portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the severity of thrombocytopenia and the presenting of esophageal varices (EVs) in cirrhotic patient. Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective, descriptive, analytic and monocentric study, which was carried out at Gastroenterology Department, Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was conducted from 1st September 2020 to 31st January 2021. All patients were diagnosed as liver cirrhosis by clinic, biology and ultrasound. Patients’ data were noted in standardized questionnaire with information such as age, sex, address, laboratory result, and the result of endoscopic finding. All data were registered into a data set and then analyzed by SPSS program version 23. Results: 1445 patients were enrolled for gastroscopy. Only 303 patients (21%) were suggested for variceal screening after the exclusions. Male was predominant with sex ratio F/M (1/2.03). Patients’ age varied between 21 and 80 years old, with the mean age of 55 ± 11 years old. 199 patients (66%) were found with EVs, while EVs grade 1 and 2 without red signs were predominated, accounting to 22.8% and 19.5% respectively. The majority of the patients with platelet count between 50 - 99 giga/l had EVs vs platelet count > 150 giga/l had no EVs (p Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a non-invasive parameter with high accuracy for the prediction of EVs in cirrhosis. The severity of thrombocytopenia increased as the grading of EVs increased. Thus, it can assist in triaging cirrhotic patients for endoscopy to identify EVs.

Correlation Between NLRP3 Inflammasome and GP73 Levels and Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with Esophageal Varices Rupture

Objective:To investigate the correlation between NOD-like receptor family protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome and Golgi protein 73(GP73)levels and hepatitis B cirrhosis with esophageal varices(EV)rupture.Methods:The subjects of this study were 145 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and varices who were treated in our hospital in recent years.Endoscopic examination was performed on the patients.The patients were divided into two groups according to whether there was EV rupture:rupture group and non-rupture group.The correlation between plasma NLRP3 and GP73 levels and hepatitis B cirrhosis with EV rupture was analyzed.Results:Through observation,comparing the levels of NLRP3 and GP73 between the two groups,the levels of NLRP3 and GP73 were significantly higher in the rupture group than in the non-rupture group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that NLRP3 and GP73 levels and Child-Pugh classification were related risk factors of hepatitis B cirrhosis with EV rupture.Conclusion:NLRP3 inflammasome and GP73 levels are closely related to hepatitis B cirrhosis with EV rupture.The corresponding evaluation aids in predicting EV rupture and bleeding in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Comparison of hepatic venous pressure gradient and endoscopic grading of esophageal varices

AIM: To determine the correlation between the hepatic venous pressure gradient and the endoscopic grade of esophageal varices.METHODS: From September 2009 to March 2013, a total of 176 measurements of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) were done in 146 patients. Each transjugular HVPG was measured twice, first using an end whole catheter (EH-HVPG), and then using a balloon catheter (B-HVPG). The HVPG was compared with the endoscopic grade of esophageal varices (according to the general rules for recording endoscopic findings of esophagogastric varices), which was recorded within a month of the measurement of HVPG.RESULTS: The study included 110 men and 36 women, with a mean age of 56.1 years (range, 43-76 years). The technical success rate of the pressure measurements was 100% and there were no complication related to the procedures. Mean HVPG was 15.3 mmHg as measured using the end hole catheter method and 16.5 mmHg as measured using the balloon catheter method. Mean HVPG (both EH-HVPG and B-HVPG) was not significantly different among patients with different characteristics, including sex and comorbid factors, except for cases with hepatocellular carcinoma (B-HVPG, P = 0.01; EH-HVPG, P = 0.02). Portal hypertension (&#x0003e; 12 mmHg HVPG) occurred in 66% of patients according to EH-HVPG and 83% of patients according to B-HVGP, and significantly correlated with Child&#x02019;s status (B-HVPG, P &#x0003c; 0.000; EH-HVGP, P &#x0003c; 0.000) and esophageal varies observed upon endoscopy (EH-HVGP, P = 0.003; B-HVGP, P = 0.006). One hundred and thirty-five endoscopies were performed, of which 15 showed normal findings, 27 showed grade 1 endoscopic esophageal varices, 49 showed grade 2 varices, and 44 showed grade 3 varices. When comparing endoscopic esophageal variceal grades and HVPG using univariate analysis, the P value was 0.004 for EH-HVPG and 0.002 for B-HVPG.CONCLUSION: Both EH-HVPG and B-HVPG showed a positive correlation with the endoscopic grade of esophageal varices, with B-HVPG showing a stronger correlation than EH-HVPG.

Non-invasive prediction model for high-risk esophageal varices in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND There are two types of esophageal varices(EVs):high-risk EVs(HEVs)and lowrisk EVs,and HEVs pose a greater threat to patient life than low-risk EVs.The diagnosis of EVs is mainly conducted by gastroscopy,which can cause discomfort to patients,or by non-invasive prediction models.A number of noninvasive models for predicting EVs have been reported;however,those that are based on the formula for calculation of liver and spleen volume in HEVs have not been reported.AIM To establish a non-invasive prediction model based on the formula for liver and spleen volume for predicting HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis.METHODS Data from 86 EV patients with viral cirrhosis were collected.Actual liver and spleen volumes of the patients were determined by computed tomography,and their calculated liver and spleen volumes were calculated by standard formulas.Other imaging and biochemical data were determined.The impact of each parameter on HEVs was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses,the data from which were employed to establish a non-invasive prediction model.Then the established prediction model was compared with other previous prediction models.Finally,the discriminating ability,calibration ability,and clinical efficacy of the new model was verified in both the modeling group and the external validation group.RESULTS Data from univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the liver-spleen volume ratio,spleen volume change rate,and aspartate aminotransferase were correlated with HEVs.These indexes were successfully used to establish the noninvasive prediction model.The comparison of the models showed that the established model could better predict HEVs compared with previous models.The discriminating ability,calibration ability,and clinical efficacy of the new model were affirmed.CONCLUSION The non-invasive prediction model for predicting HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis was successfully established.The new model is reliable for predicting HEVs and has clinical applicability.

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.

MDCT angiography to evaluate the therapeutic effect of PTVE for esophageal varices

Abstract AIM:To evaluate the role of multi-detector row computed tomography(MDCT) angiography for assessing the therapeutic effects of percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization(PTVE) for esophageal varices(EVs).METHODS:The subjects of this prospective study were 156 patients who underwent PTVE with cyanoacrylate for EVs.Patients were divided into three groups according to the filling range of cyanoacrylate in EVs and their feeding vessels:(1) group A,complete obliteration,with at least 3 cm of the lower EVs and peri-/EVs,as well as the adventitial plexus of the gastric cardia and fundus filled with cyanoacrylate;(2) group B,partial obliteration of varices surrounding the gastric cardia and fundus,with their feeding vessels being obliterated with cyanoacrylate,but without reaching lower EVs;and(3) group C,trunk obliteration,with the main branch of the left gastric vein being filled with cyanoacrylate,but without reaching varices surrounding the gastric cardia or fundus.We performed chart reviews and a prospective follow-up using MDCT images,angiography,and gastrointestinal endoscopy.RESULTS:The median follow-up period was 34 mo.The rate of eradication of varices for all patients was 56.4%(88/156) and the rate of relapse was 31.3%(41/131).The rates of variceal eradication at 1,3,and 5 years after PTVE were 90.2%,84.1% and 81.7%,respectively,for the complete group;61.2%,49% and 42.9%,respectively,for the partial group;with no varices disappearing in the trunk group.The relapsefree rates at 1,3 and 5 years after PTVE were 91.5%,86.6% and 81.7%,respectively,for the complete group;71.1%,55.6% and 51.1%,respectively,for the partial group;and all EVs recurred in the trunk group.Kaplan-Meier analysis showed P values of 0.000 and 0.000,and odds ratios of 3.824 and 3.603 for the rates of variceal eradication and relapse free rates,respectively.Cyanoacrylate in EVs disappeared with time,but those in the EVs and other feeding vessels remained permanently in the vessels without a decrease with time,which is important for the continued obliteration of the feeding vessels and prevention of EV relapse.CONCLUSION:MDCT provides excellent visualization of cyanoacrylate obliteration in EV and their feeding veins after PTVE.It confirms that PTVE is effective for treating EVs.

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.

Endoscopic management of esophageal varices

The rupture of gastric varices results in variceal hemorrhage, which is one the most lethal complications of cirrhosis. Endoscopic therapies for varices aim to reduce variceal wall tension by obliteration of the varix. The two principal methods available for esophageal varices are endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) and band ligation (EBL). The advantages of EST are that it is cheap and easy to use, and the injection catheter fits through the working channel of a diagnostic gastroscope. Endoscopic variceal ligation obliterates varices by causing mechanical strangulation with rubber bands. The following review aims to describe the utility of EBL and EST in different situations, such as acute bleeding, primary and secondary

New methods for the management of esophageal varices

Bleeding from esophageal varices (EVs) is a catastrophic complication of chronic liver disease. Many years ago, surgical procedures such as esophageal transection or distal splenorenal shunting were the only treatments for EVs. In the 1970s, interventional radiology procedures such as transportal obliteration, left gastric artery embolization, and partial splenic artery embolization were introduced, improving the survival of patients with bleeding EVs. In the 1980s, endoscopic treatment, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS), and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), further contributed to improved survival. We combined IVR with endoscopic treatment or EIS with EVL. Most patients with EVs treated endoscopically required follow- up treatment for recurrent varices. Proper management of recurrent EVs can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Recently, we have performed EVL at 2-mo (bimonthly) intervals for the management of EVs. Longer intervals between treatment sessions resulted in a higher rate of total eradication and lower rates of recurrence and additional treatment.

Percutaneous transsplenic embolization of esophageal and gastrio-fundal varices in 18 patients

AIM: Clinical application and potential complication of percutaneous transsplenic varices embolization (PTSVE) of esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with portal vein cancerous thrombosis (PVCT).METHODS: 18 patients with HCC complicated with PVCT and esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices who underwent PTSVE were collected. The rate of success, complication, mortality of the procedure and postoperative complication were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS: PTSVE were successfully performed in 16 of 18cases, and the rate of success was 89%. After therapy erythrocyte counts decreased in all of the natunts. 5 of patients needed blood transfusion, 2 patients requiredsurgical intervention because of and 11 patients with ascites were alleviated by diuresis. Among these 18patients, the procedure-related mortality was 11% (2/18),one died of acute hepatic failure on the forth day after procedure, another died of acute renal failure on the fifth day. The patients were follow up for 112 mon exceptone. 13of them died of their tumors but none of them experienced variceal bleeding.CONCLUSION: PTSVE is a relatively safe and effective method to treat esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in HCCpatients with PVCT when percutaneous transhepatic varices embolization (PTHVE) of varices is impossible.

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio to predict esophageal varices in Mexican patients with hepatic cirrhosis

AIM: To validate whether the platelet count/spleen size ratio can be used to predict the presence of esophageal varices in Mexican patients with hepatic cirrhosis.