Study of the correlation of oesophageal varices with portal vein diameter and ratio of platelet count to splenic diameter and their comparative evaluation in liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the correlation of oesophageal varices (OV) with portal vein diameter and the platelet count to splenic diameter ratio and their comparative evaluation in patients of liver cirrhosis.Methods:The present study consisted of 50 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Necessary investigations were performed in all the patients including Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, spleen diameter and portal vein diameter were calculated for all patients and the presence and grading of OV was then comparatively evaluated. The results were systematically recorded and statistically analysed.Results: The mean age of patients was 49.82±10.23 years. 78% of patients presented with OV. The portal vein diameter, platelet count, spleen diameter and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio were significantly increased in patients with OV than those without OV (p<0.0001). Highly significant positive correlation between portal vein diameter, spleen diameter and grading of OV was seen. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio and platelet count was significantly decreased as the grade of OV increased in the patients. There was statistically, a highly significant negative correlation between them.Conclusions: The non-invasive parameters used to detect presence of OV in liver cirrhosis were portal vein diameter and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio. Though, both seemed to be effective in predicting OV, platelet count/spleen diameter ratio proved to be slightly more significant when compared to the other.