Efficacy Platelet/Spleen Diameter Ratio for Detection of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

AIM: Prediction of esophageal varices (EV) in cirrhotic patient by platelet count/ spleen diameter ratio (PC/SD ratio) as a noninvasive diagnostic test. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 140 liver cirrhotic patients without a history of variceal bleeding during a period of two years. The spleen diameter, platelets count, PC/SD ratio, ascites, serum bilirubin, prothrombin time, albumin and Child–Pugh class were analyzed on the data for the prediction of EVS. RESULTS: Incidence of varices was seen in 85% of patients. Mean spleen diameter in EV and NEV were 137 and 146 mm respectively (P=0.36). Mean platelet count in EV and NEV were 127000 and 114000 n/mm3 respectively (P=0.36). PC/SD ratio had NPV 25.8%, PPV 88.6% at cut- off level 663. The presence of EV had correlation with ascites and prothrombin time (P=0.001, P=0.931). CONCLUSIONS: Spleen diameter, platelet count and PC/SD ratio couldn’t predict the presence of EV. Endoscopy should be performed to detect EVS in our area.