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===Endoscopy===
===Endoscopy===
 
* All patients with cirrhosis should undergo a diagnostic endoscopy to document the presence or absence of varices and to determine the risk for variceal hemorrhage.<ref name="pmid17879356">{{cite journal |author=Garcia-Tsao G, Sanyal AJ, Grace ND, Carey W |title=Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis |journal=[[Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)]] |volume=46 |issue=3 |pages=922–38 |year=2007 |month=September |pmid=17879356 |doi=10.1002/hep.21907 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hep.21907 |accessdate=2012-09-06}}</ref>  
All patients with cirrhosis should undergo a diagnostic endoscopy to document the presence or absence of varices and to determine their risk for variceal hemorrhage. <ref name="pmid17879356">{{cite journal |author=Garcia-Tsao G, Sanyal AJ, Grace ND, Carey W |title=Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis |journal=[[Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)]] |volume=46 |issue=3 |pages=922–38 |year=2007 |month=September |pmid=17879356 |doi=10.1002/hep.21907 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hep.21907 |accessdate=2012-09-06}}</ref> Esophageal varices are dilated collaterals in the lower esophagus that interconnect portal and systemic circulation in patients with [[portal hypertension]]. Endoscopically, esophageal varices are usually unmistakable and appear as irregular, serpiginous, bluish structures running longitudinally in the submucosa of the esophageal wall. Occasionally, it can be difficult to differentiate small varices from esophageal folds and EUS can be helpful. The presence of varices in patients with cirrhosis is also an independent risk factor for survival.<ref name="pmid6969201">{{cite journal |author=Lebrec D, De Fleury P, Rueff B, Nahum H, Benhamou JP |title=Portal hypertension, size of esophageal varices, and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in alcoholic cirrhosis |journal=[[Gastroenterology]] |volume=79 |issue=6 |pages=1139–44 |year=1980 |month=December |pmid=6969201 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2012-09-07}}</ref>
* Esophageal varices are dilated collaterals in the lower esophagus that interconnect portal and systemic circulation in patients with [[portal hypertension]].  
The appearance of esophageal varices is not diagnostic of the cause of portal hypertension and does not allow for differentiation between portal hypertension secondary to cirrhosis, pre-sinusoidal hypertension, or portal or [[splenic vein]] [[thrombosis]]. The majority of patients with cirrhosis develop varices and approximately one third bleed at some point.<ref name="pmid7026343">{{cite journal |author=Christensen E, Fauerholdt L, Schlichting P, Juhl E, Poulsen H, Tygstrup N |title=Aspects of the natural history of gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis and the effect of prednisone |journal=[[Gastroenterology]] |volume=81 |issue=5 |pages=944–52 |year=1981 |month=November |pmid=7026343 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2012-09-07}}</ref> As only one third of patients will bleed, the accurate targeting of those at risk is important.
* Esophageal varices appear as irregular, serpiginous, bluish structures running longitudinally in the submucosa of the esophageal wall on endoscopy.  
The most popular model used is that devised by the North Italian Endoscopic Club for the Study and Treatment of Oesophageal Varices.<ref name="pmid3262200">{{cite journal |author= |title=Prediction of the first variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and esophageal varices. A prospective multicenter study |journal=[[The New England Journal of Medicine]] |volume=319 |issue=15 |pages=983–9 |year=1988 |month=October |pmid=3262200 |doi=10.1056/NEJM198810133191505 |url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJM198810133191505?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed |accessdate=2012-09-07}}</ref> The severity of the underlying liver disease, the presence or absence of red markings on the varices, and the size of the varices are the most important risk factors for bleeding.
* It may be difficult to differentiate small varices from esophageal folds and EUS may be helpful.
 
* The presence of varices in patients with cirrhosis is considered an independent risk factor for survival.<ref name="pmid6969201">{{cite journal |author=Lebrec D, De Fleury P, Rueff B, Nahum H, Benhamou JP |title=Portal hypertension, size of esophageal varices, and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in alcoholic cirrhosis |journal=[[Gastroenterology]] |volume=79 |issue=6 |pages=1139–44 |year=1980 |month=December |pmid=6969201 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2012-09-07}}</ref>
[[Gastroscopy]] (endoscopic examination of the [[esophagus]], stomach and [[duodenum]]) is performed in patients with established cirrhosis to exclude the possibility of [[esophageal varices]]. If these are found, prophylactic local therapy may be applied (sclerotherapy or banding) and [[beta blocker]] treatment may be commenced.
* The appearance of esophageal varices is not diagnostic of portal hypertension and does not allow for differentiation between portal hypertension secondary to cirrhosis, pre-sinusoidal hypertension, or portal or [[splenic vein]] [[thrombosis]].
* Majority of patients with cirrhosis develop varices and approximately one third bleed at some point.<ref name="pmid7026343">{{cite journal |author=Christensen E, Fauerholdt L, Schlichting P, Juhl E, Poulsen H, Tygstrup N |title=Aspects of the natural history of gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis and the effect of prednisone |journal=[[Gastroenterology]] |volume=81 |issue=5 |pages=944–52 |year=1981 |month=November |pmid=7026343 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2012-09-07}}</ref>  
* The most popular model used to target patients with high risk of variceal bleed is devised by the North Italian Endoscopic Club for the Study and Treatment of esophageal varices.<ref name="pmid3262200">{{cite journal |author= |title=Prediction of the first variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and esophageal varices. A prospective multicenter study |journal=[[The New England Journal of Medicine]] |volume=319 |issue=15 |pages=983–9 |year=1988 |month=October |pmid=3262200 |doi=10.1056/NEJM198810133191505 |url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJM198810133191505?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed |accessdate=2012-09-07}}</ref>  
* The severity of the underlying liver disease, presence or absence of red markings on the varices, and variceal size are the most important risk factors for bleeding.  
* [[Gastroscopy]] (endoscopic examination of the [[esophagus]], stomach and [[duodenum]]) is performed in patients with cirrhosis to exclude the possibility of [[esophageal varices]].  
* In patients with varices, prophylactic therapy may include:
** Local therapy:
*** Sclerotherapy
*** Vaiceal banding
** Medical therapy:
*** Beta blockers


====Endoscopic Ultrasound====
====Endoscopic Ultrasound====

Revision as of 11:06, 14 December 2017

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2] Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [3]

Overview

Tc-99m labeled sulfur can be used in nuclear imaging to obtain an indication of hepatic function. When assessing a patient for a liver transplant, a CTA is used to asses the drainage of the liver.

All patients with cirrhosis should undergo a diagnostic endoscopy for the evaluation of varices. Gastric endoscopy is also an option if gastric varices are suspected, and endoscopic ultrasound can also help in the visualization of varices. ERCP can be done if biliary pathology as a cause of the cirrhosis is suspected.

Other Imaging Findings

Nuclear Imaging

  • Radionuclide testing may be useful in the diagnosis of cirrhosis:[1][2]
    • Tc-99m labeled sulfur used for functional imaging techniques provides some indication of hepatic function
    •  99mTc sulfur colloid is normally taken up by cells of the reticuloendothelial system
    • Cirrhosis: heterogeneity in the uptake of 99mTc sulfur colloid by the liver and increased uptake by the spleen and bone marrow provides evidence of portal hypertension[3]

Angiography

  • The angiographic findings of hepatic perfusion are essential in transplant assessment, given the variability of hepatic drainage from its arterial and venous supplies.

Endoscopy

  • All patients with cirrhosis should undergo a diagnostic endoscopy to document the presence or absence of varices and to determine the risk for variceal hemorrhage.[4]
  • Esophageal varices are dilated collaterals in the lower esophagus that interconnect portal and systemic circulation in patients with portal hypertension.
  • Esophageal varices appear as irregular, serpiginous, bluish structures running longitudinally in the submucosa of the esophageal wall on endoscopy.
  • It may be difficult to differentiate small varices from esophageal folds and EUS may be helpful.
  • The presence of varices in patients with cirrhosis is considered an independent risk factor for survival.[5]
  • The appearance of esophageal varices is not diagnostic of portal hypertension and does not allow for differentiation between portal hypertension secondary to cirrhosis, pre-sinusoidal hypertension, or portal or splenic vein thrombosis.
  • Majority of patients with cirrhosis develop varices and approximately one third bleed at some point.[6]
  • The most popular model used to target patients with high risk of variceal bleed is devised by the North Italian Endoscopic Club for the Study and Treatment of esophageal varices.[7]
  • The severity of the underlying liver disease, presence or absence of red markings on the varices, and variceal size are the most important risk factors for bleeding.
  • Gastroscopy (endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum) is performed in patients with cirrhosis to exclude the possibility of esophageal varices.
  • In patients with varices, prophylactic therapy may include:
    • Local therapy:
      • Sclerotherapy
      • Vaiceal banding
    • Medical therapy:
      • Beta blockers

Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound is useful for detecting varices. Varices are seen within the submucosa and in the periesophageal or perigastric soft tissue.[8] In the esophagus, EUS does not appear to be superior to endoscopy in the detection of esophageal varices. On the other hand, EUS is invaluable in differentiating gastric varices from submucosal tumors and prominent gastric folds. In addition, the role of EUS in determining whether or not varices are obliterated is under evaluation. EUS is a very safe procedure with a complication rate of approximately 0.05%. The major complication is perforation, which is related to the relatively large diameter and stiffness of the endoscope used.

ERCP

If biliary pathology (primary sclerosing cholangitis - PSC) is suspected, ERCP may be performed. Generally MRCP (MRI of biliary tract and pancreas) is sufficient for diagnosis, but ERCP allows for particular interventions, such as placement of a biliary stent or extraction of gallstones.

References

  1. Nishikawa H, Osaki Y (2015). "Liver Cirrhosis: Evaluation, Nutritional Status, and Prognosis". Mediators Inflamm. 2015: 872152. doi:10.1155/2015/872152. PMC 4606163. PMID 26494949.
  2. McLaren MI, Fleming JS, Walmsley BH, Ackery DM, Taylor I, Karran SJ (1985). "Dynamic liver scanning in cirrhosis". Br J Surg. 72 (5): 394–6. PMID 3995244.
  3. Kim YS, Cho SW, Lee KJ; et al. "Tc-99m MIBI SPECT is useful for noninvasively predicting the presence of MDR1 gene-encoded P-glycoprotein in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma". Clin Nucl Med. 24 (11): 874–9. PMID 10551471.
  4. Garcia-Tsao G, Sanyal AJ, Grace ND, Carey W (2007). "Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis". Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.). 46 (3): 922–38. doi:10.1002/hep.21907. PMID 17879356. Retrieved 2012-09-06. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. Lebrec D, De Fleury P, Rueff B, Nahum H, Benhamou JP (1980). "Portal hypertension, size of esophageal varices, and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in alcoholic cirrhosis". Gastroenterology. 79 (6): 1139–44. PMID 6969201. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  6. Christensen E, Fauerholdt L, Schlichting P, Juhl E, Poulsen H, Tygstrup N (1981). "Aspects of the natural history of gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis and the effect of prednisone". Gastroenterology. 81 (5): 944–52. PMID 7026343. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  7. "Prediction of the first variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and esophageal varices. A prospective multicenter study". The New England Journal of Medicine. 319 (15): 983–9. 1988. doi:10.1056/NEJM198810133191505. PMID 3262200. Retrieved 2012-09-07. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. Yasuda K, Cho E, Nakajima M, Kawai K (1990). "Diagnosis of submucosal lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract by endoscopic ultrasonography". Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 36 (2 Suppl): S17–20. PMID 2184080. |access-date= requires |url= (help)

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