Diagnostics (Nov 2020)

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound for Esophageal Varices

  • Kazunori Nagashima,
  • Atsushi Irisawa,
  • Keiichi Tominaga,
  • Ken Kashima,
  • Yasuhito Kunogi,
  • Takahito Minaguchi,
  • Naoya Izawa,
  • Akira Yamamiya,
  • Akane Yamabe,
  • Koki Hoshi,
  • Kenichi Goda,
  • Makoto Iijima

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10121007
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 12
p. 1007

Abstract

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Esophageal varices are caused by the development of collateral circulation in the esophagus as a result of portal hypertension. It is important to administer appropriate preventive treatment because bleeding varices can be fatal. Esophageal varices have complex and diverse hemodynamics, and there are various variations for each case. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can estimate the hemodynamics of each case. Therefore, observation by EUS in esophageal varices provides useful information, such as safe and effective treatment selection, prediction of recurrence, and appropriate follow-up after treatment. Although treatment for the esophagogastric varices can be performed without EUS imaging, understanding the local hemodynamics of the varices using EUS prior to treatment will lead to more safe and effective treatment. EUS observation is an indispensable tool for thorough variceal care.

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