This study was done to find out the relationship between gallbladder wall thickening and esophageal varices in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. A total of 61 CLD patients were included and divided into two groups. Group A included 13 CLD patients with no oesophageal varices and Group B composed of 48 CLD patients with esophageal varices. Mean gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT) of Group B was 5.6±0.2mm compared to 2.7±0.1mm of Group A. The mean differences of GBWT were statistically significant between group A and group B (P<0.05). The mean GBWT was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CLD patients with grade III and IV varices (6.1±.8 mm) compared to grade I and II (3.9±0.7 mm). The result suggests that GBWT may be considered as an important marker for the presence of esophageal varices in CLD patients.

Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2012; 6(1): 18-20

Key words: Gallbladder thickening, Esophageal varices