Role of right liver lobe diameter/serum albumin ratio in esophageal varices assessment in cirrhotic patients

ABSTRACT

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a pathologic condition characterized by fibrosis of the liver parenchyma and evidence of regenerative activity, resulting in portal hypertension. Portal hypertension plays a crucial role in the transition from the pre-clinical to the clinical phase of the disease. Bleeding from ruptured esophagogastric varices is the most severe complication of cirrhosis and is the cause of death in about one third of cirrhotic patients. Cirrhotic patients frequently undergo screening endoscopy for the presence of varices. These recommendations imply a considerable burden of endoscopies and related costs