Esophageal varices' presence can be better predicted if both spleen and liver stiffness measurements are used

New Chronic Hepatitis Study Findings Reported from H. Stefanescu and Co-Authors

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According to recent research from Romania, "Splenomegaly in a common finding in liver cirrhosis that should determine changes in the spleen's density because of portal and splenic congestion and/or because of tissue hyperplasia and fibrosis. These changes might be quantified by elastography, so the aim of the study was to investigate whether spleen stiffness measured by transient elastography varies as liver disease progresses and whether this would be a suitable method for the noninvasive evaluation of the presence of esophageal varices."

"One hundred and ninety-one patients (135 liver cirrhosis, 39 chronic hepatitis and 17 healthy controls) were evaluated by transient elastography for measurements of spleen and liver stiffness. Cirrhotic patients also underwent upper endoscopy for the diagnosis of esophageal varices. Spleen stiffness showed higher values in liver cirrhosis patients as compared with chronic hepatitis and with controls: 60.96 vs 34.49 vs 22.01 KPa (P Chronic Hepatitis).

The researchers concluded: "Esophageal varices' presence can be better predicted if both spleen and liver stiffness measurements are used."

Stefanescu and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Spleen stiffness measurement using fibroscan for the noninvasive assessment of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2011;26(1):164-170).

For additional information, contact H. Stefanescu, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Medical Clinic 3, 19-21 Croitorilor St., Cluj Napoca 400162, Romania.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc., Commerce Place, 350 Main St., Malden 02148, MA, USA.

Keywords: Country:Romania, Chronic Hepatitis, Digestive System Diseases, Fibrosis, Gastroenterology, Hemic and Immune Systems, Hepatology, Human, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Diseases, Spleen, Varicose Vein

This article was prepared by Gastroenterology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Gastroenterology Week via NewsRx.com.

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