[Cause of pulmonary disorder following sclerosing therapy]

In order to elucidate pulmonary changes after sclerotherapy of esophageal varices animal experiments were performed. Polidocanol was injected into the submucosa of the distal esophagus and into a branch of the pulmonary artery. The submucous infiltration of the lower esophagus often causes congestive pulmonary alterations near the injection area. The subsequent disturbances of gas exchange as well as the negative inotropic effect of Polidocanol demands therapy in a number of cases.