Transabdominal sonographic findings of the distal esophagus in esophageal varices

To assess transabdominal sonographic findings of the distal esophagus in the patients with esophageal varices. Transabdominal sonography was performed on two groups which considered of 42 normal subjects (25 males and 17 female, age: 20-65) and 45 cirrhotic patients (34 males and 11 females, age: 30-70) with esophageal varices. The thickness of the anterior wall of the distal esophagus (AWDE) was measured and the shape of its surface was observed. Then these findings were compared between the two groups. The mean thickness of the AWDE in the 42 normal subjects was 2.4 ± 0.62 mm (2-4 mm), while that of the 45 cirrhotic patients was 6.0 ± 1.27 mm (3-10 mm). Whereas the irregular surface of the AWDE was observed in 4 of the 42 normal subjects (9.5%), it was seen in 30 of the 45 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices (66.7%). When as AWDE having more than 5 mm in thickness was used as a diagnostic criterion for the esophageal varices, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy was 89%, 100% and 94% respectively. When an irregular wall surface was used as a diagnostic standard, the results were 67%, 90% and 70% respectively. In the cirrhotic patients, esophageal varix can be presumed with reasons of the thickening AWDE (more than 5 mm) and irregularity of its surface in the transabdominal sonography.