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!
