CT evaluation of esophageal varices

CT findings in 20 consecutive patients with proven esophageal varices are reviewed and analyzed. In 85% of patients, abnormalities were seen involving the esophageal wall and/or periesophageal region. In 65%, findings specific to varices were present: thickening of esophageal wall, a scalloped contour, and intraluminal protrusions enhancing after a contrast bolus injection. These findings were seen alone or in association with periesophageal varices, which were seen in 45% of patients; evidence of portal hypertension with varices in the lesser omentum was present in 95%. CT has a sensitivity similar to barium esophagram but evaluates better the presence and extent of periesophageal varices and portal hypertension. Normal CT does not rule out esophageal varices because small varices may escape detection, particularly in scans done without a contrast bolus injection.