Prognostic and recurrence factors after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

Background Peri‐esophageal collateral veins have been reported to be associated with the recurrence of esophageal varices (EVs). In this study, we retrospectively analyzed whether endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) findings obtained just before endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) are associated with the success rate of intravariceal injection, recurrence rate of EVs, and overall survival rate (OS) of patients. Furthermore, we investigated the independent predictors associated with these factors by multivariate analysis. Methods A total of 91 patients with risky EVs treated by EIS were analyzed. The primary endpoint was to identify independent predictors associated with the success rate of intravariceal injection, recurrence rate, and OS by multivariate analysis, to confirm the usefulness of EUS examination. The secondary endpoint was to clarify differences in recurrence rate and OS between patients who underwent additional argon plasma coagulation (APC) and those who did not, by the propensity score matching method. Results Luminal diameter of EVs and F factor were predictors of the success rate of intravariceal injection. APC was predictor of OS and recurrence of EVs. EUS findings were not associated with these factors. Propensity score matching (APC, 23; without APC, 23) showed that recurrence rate was significantly improved in the APC group (P = 0.050) and that OS had the tendency to be higher in the APC group (P = 0.068). Conclusion Endoscopic ultrasonography findings before EIS were associated with successful intravariceal injection but were not associated with recurrence rate or OS. Additional APC could improve OS and reduce the recurrence of EVs.