RELATIONSHIP OF DOPPLER PARAMETERS OF HEPATIC AND PORTAL VASCULATURE, HEPATIC VEIN WAVE FORMS WITH PRESENCE AND SIZE OF OESOPHAGEAL VARICES IN CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS
To evaluate the relationship of Doppler parameters of hepatic and portal vasculature, hepatic vein wave forms with presence and size of oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. A cohort of cirrhotic patients identified by clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters were evaluated. They were investigated for oesophageal varices by oesophagoduodenoscopy and by Doppler ultrasound. The relation between the presence and size of oesophageal varices and Doppler parameters were studied. 52 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. There were 44 male and 8 female patients. 23 patients were in Child Pugh Class C , 16 in Child Pugh Class B and 13 in Child Pugh Class A. Small oesophageal varices were associated with monophasic wave forms in 19.4%. biphasic wave forms in 38.7%, triphasic wave forms in 41.9%. Large oesophageal varices were associated with monophasic wave forms in 42.1%. biphasic wave forms in 52.6%, triphasic wave forms in 6.3%. The p- value was statistically significant with 0.013 [p <0.05]. Spleen size greater than 15.3 was associated with large oesophageal varices which was statistically significant, none of the Doppler parameters were statistically significant for large oesophageal varices. Our study data suggested that monophasic hepatic vein wave forms, splenic artery resistivity index, and spleen size greater than 15. 3 cms were related with presence of large oesophageal varices. These parameters may help in targeted identification of patients with large oesophageal varices and aid in their management