Esophageal varices during pregnancy in the course of cirrhosis

Abstract

Esophageal variceal bleeding is one of the most severe complications that may occur during pregnancy in patients with liver cirrhosis. It may result in death of the mother and the fetus. Therefore, screening endoscopy should be performed both before the conception and in the second trimester. Endoscopic band ligation is a method of choice in case of variceal bleeding. Close cooperation of hepatologist, obstetrician-gynecologist and endoscopist is recommended in order to provide maximum care and increase the chances of successful delivery. We present a case of 28-years-old primigravida, at 27 weeks pregnant with esophageal varices and liver cirrhosis.