Platelet Count/Spleen Diameter Ratio as a Non-Invasive Predictor of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

(1) Background: The current study examined the correlations between platelet count (PC), spleen diameter (SD), and their ratio to establish a non-invasive technique for predicting the presence of oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. (2) Methods: The current study was an observational study conducted in the Gastroenterology Department at IMS and SUM Hospital from November 2019 to November 2021. Consecutive cirrhotic patients without a history of gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled in the study, and the esophageal varices were assessed. The patients underwent the necessary tests, including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, liver function testing, abdominal ultrasonography, and full hemograms. All these parameters were analyzed statistically through SPSS version 23, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. (3) Results: There were significant differences between cases with and without esophageal varices in the following parameters: PC, SD and their ratio, hemoglobin, and ALT level. The PC/SD ratio of ≤ 1400 was associated with a sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity of 80.8%, and a positive predictive value of 82.56% in predicting the presence of oesophageal varices, as per receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis in our study. (4) Conclusions: Esophageal varices can be predicted non-invasively using the platelet count, spleen diameter, and PC/SD ratio.