Using Doppler Ultrasound to Predict Large Varices in Cirrhosis
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph Thomas, Madhavan Mukunda, Devadas Krishnadas, Ramakrishnannair Vinayakumar K.
Primary Institution: Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Hypothesis
Can changes in hepatic venous waveforms predict the presence of large esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients?
Conclusion
Loss of triphasic hepatic venous waveform is highly sensitive in predicting significant varices in patients with cirrhosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Triphasic waves were seen in 7.8% of cases, while biphasic and monophasic patterns were seen in 51% and 41.2% respectively.
- The sensitivity of loss of the triphasic wave pattern in detecting significant varices was 95.23%.
- Changes in hepatic venous waveforms did not correlate with the size of the varices.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special ultrasound to see if patients with liver disease have big veins that could bleed, which is very important for their health.
Methodology
Patients with cirrhosis underwent Doppler ultrasound and endoscopy to assess hepatic venous waveforms and variceal size.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with certain conditions and the subjective nature of waveform interpretation.
Limitations
The sample size was small and excluded patients with acute variceal hemorrhage and those on certain medications.
Participant Demographics
51 patients, 44 men and 7 women, mean age 48.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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