Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the evaluation of oesophageal varices before and after sclerotherapy

ABSTRACT

This study included 60 chronic liver disease patients classified into 3 groups Group I included 20 patients with past history of haematemesis [elective sclerotherapy group] in which EUS is done before and after eradication of varices. Group II included 20 patients with acute bleeding in which emergency sclerotherapy was done to stop the attack of bleeding, then EUS was performed after cessation of bleeding and once again after eradication of varices. Group III included 20 patients suffering from oesophageal varices with no history of haematcmesis in which EUS is done for follow-up. After sclerotherapy, the layer structures of the oesophagus become disrupted with marked thickening and very tiny tortuous echo-fret structures that could be visualized. Also, following complete variceal eradication, endosonographic ssessnient revealed significant decrease of oesophageal intramural collaterals and perforators. The azygos vein diameter significantly increases after variceal eradication. The paramural collates did not show any significant difference. Also, portal hypertensive gastropathy [PHG] and gastric varices did not show any significant difference