Diagnostic Accuracy of Doppler Ultrasonography for Diagnosing Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of doppler ultrasonography for diagnosing
esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients taking endoscopic findings as gold standard.
Material and Methods: One hundred and thirty five patients fulfilling inclusion criteria
underwent doppler ultrasound of abdomen for esophageal varices. This was followed by upper GI
endoscopy in all patients. Data was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values,
negative predictive values and accuracy rate of doppler ultrasonography for diagnosing
esophageal varices.
Results: Frequency of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients on endoscopy was 62.22 %
(n=84). Diagnostic accuracy of doppler ultrasonography for diagnosing esophageal varices in
cirrhotic patients taking endoscopy as gold standard was recorded. Results showed that 51.85%
(n=70) were true positive, 2.96% (n=4) false positive, 34.81% (n=47) true negative and 10.37%
(n=14) false negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value,
and accuracy rate were calculated as 83.33%, 92.16%, 94.59%, 77.05% and 86.67%
respectively.
Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of Doppler Ultrasonography for diagnosing esophageal
varices in cirrhotic patients' standard is high.