Role of MDCT in Grading of Esophageal Varices

Overview

Esophageal varices are one of the major complications of liver cirrhosis.Accurate grading of these varices is essential for effective management . Traditionally, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing and grading esophageal varices,Multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative for evaluating esophageal varices.it particularly appealing for patients who contraindicated to endoscopy .

Esophageal varices are one of the major complications of liver cirrhosis, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 80% with decompensated patients and 50% in compensated cirrhosis, pose a significant risk of life-threatening of bleeding due to portal hypertension. Accurate grading of these varices is essential for effective management . Traditionally, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the gold standard for diagnosing and grading esophageal varices . IT provides direct visualization, allowing for detailed assessment of variceal size and other risk factors for bleeding . However, it is an invasive procedure that requires sedation and carries some risks, such as bleeding or perforation . Multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative for evaluating esophageal varices. It offers detailed cross-sectional images and is widely available, providing a broader assessment of abdominal pathology. Its non-invasive nature makes it particularly appealing for patients who contraindicated to endoscopy .

Conditions

Eligibility

Outcomes