Prediction of recurrence of esophageal varices-special reference to a role for endoscopic ultrasonography

The fate of esophageal varices (EV) depends largely on variables of hemodynamics in portal venous system, which has long been studied using various diagnostic modalities. Recent studies have mainly focused on relationship of portal hemodynamics and recurrence of esophageal varices after endoscopic treatment. In particular, there is increasing number of studies using endosonography because it is less invasive and provides high-resolution images of collaterals surrounding the lower esophagus and the upper stomach, which includes left gastric veins and its branches, submucosal vessels in the cardia, paraesophageal collaterals and perforating veins. On basis of those studies, the range of changes to those vessels seems to depend on treatment techniques and the role of each vessel in preventing the elevation of portal pressure following treatment and in recanalization of variceal channels greatly varies. Thus, the underlying pathophysiology of variceal recurrence has been gradually understood. Further studies could enable us to identify the patients, in whom varices would rapidly recur and to choose optimal treatment for each treatment.