Predicting the presence of esophageal varices by a less-invasive means than esophagogastroduodenoscopy would enable restriction of this technique to patients with a high probability of having varices.

Nonselective beta blockers or endoscopic band ligation (EVL) are recommended for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with esophageal varices. However, it has been found that ...

Background: It is currently recommended that all patients with liver cirrhosis undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) to identify those who have large esophageal varices (LEVx) that carry ...