Non Endoscopic Parameters of Oesophageal Varices and Validation of Evendo Score in Patients With Cirrhosis of Liver

Background: Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Oesophageal varices (EV) are common complications with high risk of bleeding. Endoscopy is the gold standard for detection, but invasive. This study validates EVendo score, a non-invasive predictor of varices. Methods:Ahospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Navodaya Medical College, Raichur, on 100 cirrhotic patients aged 18–60 years. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, ultrasound, and endoscopic data were collected. EVendo and Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP) scores were calculated. Associations were tested using t-test and chi-square. Results: Mean age was 48.2±5.4 years; 79% were males. Alcohol was the leading etiology (72%). Oesophageal varices were found in 50% of subjects. Those with varices had lower haemoglobin, platelet count, albumin, and higher bilirubin, INR, PT, and BUN. Mean CTP(8.52 vs 6.52, p<0.001) and EVendo scores (4.91 vs 4.33, p=0.006) were significantly higher in variceal patients. EVendo >3.9 showed sensitivity 76%, specificity 32%, PPV 52.8%, and NPV 57.1%. Conclusion: EVendo score is a sensitive non-invasive predictor of varices but lacks specificity. It may reduce unnecessary endoscopy in resource-limited settings, but cannot replace it.