Alterations in corrected QT interval following liver transplant in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Background: Studies have demonstrated that patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) often have a prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) with variable changes in the QTc post-transplant. We sought to characterize the prevalence and degree of QTc prolongation in ESLD patients, identify risk factors for QTc prolongation, and assess changes in QTc following transplant.

Hypothesis: QTc interval is prolonged in ESLD patients pre-transplant due to a variety of risk factors and shortens following liver transplantation.

Review of complications in a series of patients with known gastro-esophageal varices undergoing transesophageal echocardiography.

Background: The presence of gastroesophageal varices is considered a relative contraindication to performing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), but this is based on expert opinion, and there is limited data to support this recommendation. The aim of this study was to review the complications and benefit of performing TEE in patients with known gastroesophageal varices.

Methods: Fourteen patients with known esophageal varices who underwent TEE from 1997 to 2007 were identified.