1. The PLEASE score to diagnose VNT is: xz,y %. It expresses the probability for varices needing treatment (VNT or large esophageal varices).
Therefore, the VNT diagnosis by PLEASE score is: VNT present or absent.
Caution: the PLEASE score used as test to diagnose VNT had good negative predictive value (98.8%) or sensitivity (74.7%) but fair specificity (68.0%) or poor positive predictive value (29.5% but it increases as a function of PLEASE score in the reference data base of 2368 patients with advanced chronic liver disease (with mean MELD score at 9.4±3.0 and mean liver stiffness at 27±18 kPa by Fibroscan).
2. PLEASE test to rule out VNT: ???
3. PLEASE test and PLEASE score are somewhat discordant since the VNT probability is low but >5%.
3. PLEASE test and PLEASE score are discordant. In that case, the data base indicated that the PLEASE test was correct; indeed, the VNT probability was <5% so endoscopy can be avoided.