ABSTRACT
The development of portosystemic collaterals is the central pathophysiological event that leads to variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis. Endosonography [EUS] is useful to evaluate the fine details of the vascular structures at the gastroesophageal junction. EUS may give a promising chance for predicting upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. To evaluate the value of extraluminal gastroesophageal vascular collaterals as predictors of first variceal bleeding. A total of 50 cirrhotic patients with no history of previous upper GI bleeding were recruited into this cohort study. After thorough history taking and clinical examination, they were subjected to upper endoscopy and EUS for assessing the number and size of peri- and para-mural collaterals and perforating vessels. All participants were followed up for 24 months for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Eighteen out of 50 patients [36%] had at least one attack of upper GI bleeding during the follow up period. All patients had one or more type of extraluminal venous collaterals. Gastric varices [P = 0.02], perigastric collaterals [P = 0.03] and perforators [P = 0.02] were independent risk factors for first variceal bleeding. The presence of 3 or more paraesophageat collaterals and the presence of perforators were significantly higher in bleeders compared to non-bleeders [P = 0.034]. Perigastric and paragastric collateral size were significantly larger in bleeders than non bleeders [P = 0.019 and 0.038 respectively]. Perigastric and paragastric collaterals size more than or equal to 2 mm and 6.20 mm respectively were associated with significantly increased risk of first variceal bleeding. Peri-esophageal and para-esophageal collaterals although present in large diameters in all bleeders than non bleeders, did not reach a statistical significant level EUS may be a promising tool for predicting first variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients thus justifying primary prevention by band ligation or sclerotherapy