ABSTRACT

Aim: To elaborate the frequency of the characteristics of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients in our population.

Methods: This retrospective analysis was performed on the data of the liver cirrhosis patients who underwent UGIE from July 2010 to December 2013 at Liver clinic, 250 Shadman Lahore. Esophageal varices (EV) were categorized into 3 grades: small and straight EV were Grade I, tortuous varices occupying <1/3 of the esophageal lumen were grade II, and larger occupying >1/3 of the esophageal lumen were grade III EV.

Results: Out of a total of 2089 patients, 92.6% had esophageal varices while 7.45% had no esophageal varices. 766(39.6%) had grade I esophageal varices (EV), 465(24%) had grade II EV, while 703(36.4%) had grade III EV. 111(5.8%)  patients had gastroesophageal varices (GOV), among which 3.3% had GOV 1, while 2.5% had GOV 2. 336 patients had been found having positive red color signs over their esophageal varices. 26(1.3%) had diffuse redness over esophageal varices.141(7.3%) had hematocystic spots.

Conclusion: Esophageal varices are frequently seen in liver cirrhosis patients during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. These have multiple characteristics including grade, location, red color sign, and extension into stomach etc., the elaboration of which has a definite role in their management. Esophageal varices are more prevalent in male gender and aged patients suffering liver cirrhosis in our studied population

Keywords: Liver cirrhosis, Esophageal varices, Grading of varices, Red color sign