Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Cirrhosis & Varices – Why Every Patient Needs an Endoscopy
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Cirrhosis & Varices – Why Every Patient Needs an Endoscopy
Hey everyone, welcome back to MasterUSMLE! Today, we’re diving into acritical step in cirrhosis management—screening for esophageal varices.
If you see a patient withcirrhosis, youmust think aboutvarices. Why? Becauseup to 50% of cirrhotic patients develop them, and if they rupture, it’slife-threatening.
So, what’s the move?Upper endoscopy for every cirrhotic patient at diagnosis. You’re looking for varices and assessing bleeding risk.If varices are found, start a nonselective beta-blocker like propranolol or nadolol—thislowers portal pressure andreduces bleeding risk. If no varices?Repeat screening every 2-3 years.
The key takeaway?Cirrhosis = Get an endoscopy. Don’t wait for bleeding—prevent it before it happens.
That’s it for today—keep it simple, stay sharp, and I’ll catch you next time on MasterUSMLE!
View all episodes
By Dr. Amin AfrasiabiHey everyone, welcome back to MasterUSMLE! Today, we’re diving into acritical step in cirrhosis management—screening for esophageal varices.
If you see a patient withcirrhosis, youmust think aboutvarices. Why? Becauseup to 50% of cirrhotic patients develop them, and if they rupture, it’slife-threatening.
So, what’s the move?Upper endoscopy for every cirrhotic patient at diagnosis. You’re looking for varices and assessing bleeding risk.If varices are found, start a nonselective beta-blocker like propranolol or nadolol—thislowers portal pressure andreduces bleeding risk. If no varices?Repeat screening every 2-3 years.
The key takeaway?Cirrhosis = Get an endoscopy. Don’t wait for bleeding—prevent it before it happens.
That’s it for today—keep it simple, stay sharp, and I’ll catch you next time on MasterUSMLE!