OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influences of helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, liver function, gastroesophageal varicosity, esophageal varicosity ligation (EVL), and esophageal varicosity sclerotherapy (EVS) on patients with portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG).
METHODS: Fourty-seven patients with liver cirrhosis included 34 patients with PHG and 13 patients without PHG. Liver function, Hp infection, and gastroesophageal varicosity were investigated clinically in all patients, and gastroscopy was made again in patients with EVL 1-2 months after operation to observe the changes of PHG.
RESULTS: The rate of Hp infection was lower in patients with liver cirrhosis than in controls. There was no relationship between Hp infection and PHG. The patients with gastroesophageal varicosity had a high incidence of PHG.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite no relationship between Hp infection and PHG, liver dysfunction can affect and promote PHG. Gastroesophageal varicosity may be closely related to PHG, but their degrees are not related. PHG can be caused or promoted by EVL.