Accuracy of splenic stiffness measurement for predicting clinically significant varices in children with portal hypertension: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis - Scorecard - MDSpire

Accuracy of splenic stiffness measurement for predicting clinically significant varices in children with portal hypertension: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis

  • By

  • Aditi Kumar

  • Ranjan Kumar Patel

  • Vijay Kumar Krishnegowda

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Evaluating the Diagnostic Performance of Splenic Stiffness Measurement in Identifying Clinically Significant Varices in Pediatric Patients with Portal Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionPortal Hypertension in Pediatric Patients
Key MechanismsSplenic stiffness measurement (SSM) as a non-invasive marker for detecting clinically significant varices (CSV)
Target PopulationChildren under 18 years with portal hypertension
Care SettingDiagnostic evaluation in pediatric gastroenterology

Key Highlights

  • SSM shows high sensitivity (92.5%) and moderate specificity (80.3%) for detecting CSV in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.
  • In chronic liver disease, SSM has moderate sensitivity (83%) and specificity (75.7%) for predicting CSV.
  • The study includes 21 studies with 14 eligible for meta-analysis, totaling 1027 pediatric patients.
  • Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is the reference standard for diagnosing varices.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Use SSM as a non-invasive tool for detecting clinically significant varices in pediatric patients with portal hypertension.

Management

    Monitoring & Follow-up

      Risks

      • Invasive procedures like OGD carry risks; SSM may reduce unnecessary interventions.

      Patient & Prescribing Data

      Pediatric patients with clinically significant portal hypertension

      Clinical Best Practices

      • Incorporate SSM into the diagnostic pathway for children with suspected portal hypertension.

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