Endoscopic Diagnosis and Classification of Varices

Several studies have shown that some endoscopic features of esophageal varices, such as large size and the presence of red signs on their surface, are associated with the risk of variceal hemorrhage. A prognostic index that uses these endoscopic signs in association with an index of liver function, such as the Child’s classification, has been shown to be useful in predicting the risk of bleeding in individual patients. Gastric varices are much more difficult to evaluate and classify than esophageal varices. For this reason, a precise relationship between the endoscopic appearances of gastric varices and the risk of bleeding has not yet been established.