DECOMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS

PREVALENCE OF GASTRIC VARICES

Abstract

Cirrhosis with subsequent portal hypertension is a major health problem
worldwide. Among various etiologies, HCV is the leading cause of chronic hepatocellular
injury. Cirrhosis being the commonest cause of portal hypertension results in a spectrum of
complications. Approximately 5-15% of cirrhotic develop varices. Gastric varices although
present less frequently as compared to esophageal varices but are associated with greater
mortality and morbidity. Objectives: To determine prevalence of Gastric varices in patients with
decompensated cirrhosis. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place & Duration: Carried
out at two centers, Pakistan Ordinance Factories Hospital Wah Cantt and Shalimar Hospital
Lahore from Jan 2014 to Jan 2015. Subjects: A total of 421subjects of decompensate cirrhosis
were included in the study. Methods: Patients with decompensate cirrhosis of any etiology who
were visiting the two hospitals as inpatient or outpatient were included in the study. Upper GI
endoscopy was done in all these subjects for determination of gastric varices. Results: Among
421 patients of decompensate cirrhosis, frequency of gastric varices was 10.9%, GOV1 as the
most common variant. Gastric varices contributed to 5.4% of all variceal bleeds. Conclusion:
Gastric varices are found in significant number of patients of decompensate cirrhosis. Since
gastric varices are associated with increased mortality and poor outcomes, these should
be carefully looked during upper GI endoscopy. Successful management of gastric variceal
hemorrhage necessitates availability of expertise and newer diagnostic modalities.