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Esophageal varices before and after endoscopic variceal ligation: evaluation using helical CT

  • Abdominal radiology
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Abstract.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the utility of helical CT in assessing the therapeutic effects of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL). Twenty-four patients with esophageal varices were examined. Helical scanning was initiated 60 s after intravenous injection (Iopamidol 300 mgI/ml, total 120 ml, 3 ml/s) was started. Esophageal varices were clearly depicted as high-density areas. Multiplanar reformation and 3D images demonstrated collateral circulation three-dimensionally. After EVL, mucosal high-density areas had diminished markedly, but collateral veins around the esophagus, and gastro- and/or spleno-renal shunts, were unchanged in all patients. Of 21 patients with collateral circulation, esophageal varices recurred endoscopically in 6 patients within 12 months. In 3 patients without collateral circulation, esophageal varices did not recur within 12 months. From these findings, we conclude that helical CT is a useful method for assessing the therapeutic effects of EVL.

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Received: 2 July 1998; Revised: 1 December 1998; Accepted: 12 February 1999

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Shimizu, T., Namba, R., Matsuoka, T. et al. Esophageal varices before and after endoscopic variceal ligation: evaluation using helical CT. Eur Radiol 9, 1546–1549 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050881

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050881

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