Author/Authors :
Kara, David Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - University Hospital Muenster, Germany , Hüsing-Kabar, Anna Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - University Hospital Muenster, Germany , Schmidt, Hartmut Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - University Hospital Muenster, Germany , Grünewald, Inga University Hospital Muenster - Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, germany , Chandhok, Gursimran Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - University Hospital Muenster, Germany , Maschmeier, Miriam Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - University Hospital Muenster, Germany , Kabar, Iyad Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - University Hospital Muenster, Germany
Abstract :
Background
Portal hypertension is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis.
Objective
To identify relevant endoscopic findings in patients with advanced cirrhosis and consecutive portal hypertension.
Methods
This was a retrospective study of liver transplant candidates who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between April 2011 and November 2015.
Results
A total of 1,045 upper endoscopies were analyzed. Portal hypertensive gastric and duodenal polyps were frequently observed and were associated with thrombocytopenia (p = 0.040; OR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.04–5.50), Child-Pugh score > 6 (p = 0.033; OR: 2.3, 95% CI 1.07–4.92), Model for End Stage Liver Disease score > 16 (p = 0.030; OR: 4.1, 95% CI 1.14–15.00), and previous rubber band ligation (p < 0.001; or = 5.2, 95% CI 2.5–10.7). These polyps often recurred after polypectomy; however, no malignant transformation occurred during the observational time until October 2017. The most common endoscopic finding was esophageal varices, observed in more than 90% of patients.
Conclusion
Portal hypertensive polyposis is common in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Our data suggest that these polyps have benign characteristics.
