Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis
05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

Transient elastography for predicting esophageal/gastric varices in children with biliary atresia

Voranush Chongsrisawat1, Paisarn Vejapipat, Nipaporn Siripon

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

BMC Gastroenterology
|April 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Transient elastography (TE) accurately predicts esophageal/gastric varices in children with biliary atresia (BA). Physical exams and lab tests also remain valuable for detecting these complications in BA patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Biliary atresia (BA) is a serious liver disease in children.
  • Esophageal/gastric varices (EV/GV) are common complications in BA patients.
  • Accurate prediction of EV/GV is crucial for timely management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the accuracy of transient elastography (TE) in predicting EV/GV in children with BA.
  • To compare the diagnostic performance of TE with clinical parameters like APRI and splenomegaly.

Main Methods:

  • The study enrolled 73 BA patients post-portoenterostomy and 50 healthy children.
  • Liver stiffness was measured using TE (FibroScan).
  • EV/GV presence was confirmed by endoscopy; APRI and splenomegaly were also assessed.

Main Results:

  • BA patients exhibited significantly higher liver stiffness than controls (p < 0.001).
  • Higher liver stiffness and APRI scores were associated with the presence of EV/GV.
  • TE showed high accuracy (AUC 0.89) in predicting EV/GV, comparable to APRI (AUC 0.87) and splenomegaly (92% sensitivity, 85% specificity).

Conclusions:

  • Transient elastography is a valuable, noninvasive tool for predicting EV/GV in pediatric BA patients.
  • Clinical parameters such as physical examination (splenomegaly) and routine tests (APRI) remain important diagnostic aids.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Underwater Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy for Gastroesophageal Varices02:14

Underwater Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy for Gastroesophageal Varices

Published on: August 1, 2025

Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy Assisted by Cyanoacrylate and Clips for Gastroesophageal Varices04:09

Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy Assisted by Cyanoacrylate and Clips for Gastroesophageal Varices

Published on: June 13, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan01:25

Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...