Regression of esophageal varices during entecavir treatment in patients with hepatitis-B-virus-related liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that liver cirrhosis is reversible after administering oral nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy to patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, few studies have addressed whether esophageal varices can regress after such therapy. We report a case of complete regression of esophageal varices during entecavir therapy in patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis, suggesting that complications of liver cirrhosis such as esophageal varices can regress after the long-term suppression of HBV replication.

Keywords

• Hepatitis B virus
• Entecavir
• Esophageal varices
• Liver cirrhosis