Detection and grading of oesophageal varices by fibre-optic endoscopy and barium swallow with and without Buscopan.

Detection of oesophageal varices is important in the diagnosis of portal hypertension. We have, therefore, compared the results of fibre-optic endoscopy and barium swallow in 56 patients with chronic liver disease. Oesophageal varices were graded as small, moderate or gross by independent observers for each technique. In 12 patients varices were not detected by either method, and in six cases varices were detected by endoscopy when the barium swallow was negative. In 15 of the remaining 38 patients varices were found to be one grade larger at endoscopy than on barium swallow. Since it is possible that varices appear larger at endoscopy because of the Buscopan (hyoscine N-butyl bromide) used as a relaxant, we carried out barium examinations after Buscopan 20 mg i.v. in 23 of the patients. In eight cases varices were one grade larger after Buscopan than on the standard barium swallow, and in two were only detected after Buscopan had been given. Eight cases negative after Buscopan were also negative at endoscopy. Although emergency endoscopy has particular value in locating the site of bleeding in patients with portal hypertension and acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage, the results of the present study suggest that a barium meal with Buscopan is as accurate as endoscopy in the detection of oesophageal varices.