A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Endoscopic Ultrasound Evaluation Versus Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the Diagnosis of Portal Hypertension in Cirrhotic Patients
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Endoscopic Ultrasound Evaluation Versus Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the Diagnosis of Portal Hypertension in Cirrhotic Patients
Liver cirrhosis with the further development of portal hypertension implies structural and vasculature alteration in the portosplenic circulation.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the standard of care for the detection and treatment of esophageal varices, as esophageal varices serve as a surrogate for estimating a portal pressure gradient > 10 mmHG.
Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation allows the detection of peri-esophageal collateral veins, perforating veins and para-esophageal collateral veins, which has demonstrated to be effective for the prediction of esophageal varices recurrence after variceal eradication.
The investigators aimed to compare esophagogastroduodenoscopy versus endoscopic ultrasound evaluation for the early diagnosis of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.
A randomized control trial of 70 cirrhotic patients randomly submitted for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (35 patients) or EUS evaluation (35 patients) for the diagnosis of portal hypertension.
The portal pressure gradient will be defined based on portal vein catheterization via interventional radiology.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy will evaluate the presence and grade of esophageal varices, presence and type of gastric varices, presence and signs of hypertensive gastropathy.
Endoscopic ultrasound will evaluate the presence of esophageal varices, the presence of gastric varices and the EUS- signs og hypertensive gastropathy, Azygos vein diameter, mean velocity and blood flow volume index.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: