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Cirrhosis variceal screening — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateInternal Medicine (chronic management)Cirrhosis variceal screeningUSMLE Step 3

A 55-year-old man is newly diagnosed with compensated cirrhosis due to cured hepatitis C. Platelets are 98,000/mm3. He has no prior variceal bleed and no ascites. Which of the following would you recommend at the follow-up visit?

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Correct answer: E — Perform upper endoscopy to screen for varices

Patients with cirrhosis require evaluation for esophageal varices unless noninvasive criteria safely exclude clinically significant portal hypertension.

Reference: AASLD Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension Guidance