Everything You Need to Know about Esophageal Varices

6. Diagnosis

People with liver disease are often routinely screened for esophageal varices. This is often done using an endoscopy. During this procedure, a thin catheter containing a camera is passed down the throat into the esophagus, enabling the doctor to see any esophageal varices, how large they have become, and signs that they are likely to rupture. Sometimes, doctors will perform a capsule endoscopy, which requires the patient o swallow a tablet-sized camera. CT and ultrasound scans are also sometimes used to diagnose esophageal varices.