Evaluating Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Portal Pressure Gradient as a Less Invasive Alternative to Traditional Hepatic Venous Pressure Measurement in Adults with Portal Hypertension

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new method called endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient EUS-PPG measurement as a potential alternative to the traditional hepatic venous pressure gradient HVPG test in adults with portal hypertension caused by chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. This study aims to determine how well EUS-PPG correlates with HVPG, whether it can serve as a reliable and less invasive option, and to assess the safety outcomes of EUS-PPG compared to HVPG. Participants will undergo both EUS-PPG and HVPG measurements within a seven-day period to allow direct comparison. The EUS-PPG procedure uses an endoscopic ultrasound probe and a fine-needle aspiration needle to directly measure portal pressure without requiring catheterization, radiation, or contrast agents. The HVPG measurement involves catheterizing the hepatic vein using fluoroscopy and specialized radiology equipment. Researchers will compare these two diagnostic tests to assess accuracy, feasibility, and safety. During the study, adults aged 18 to 85 with a history of liver disease and portal hypertension or suspected cirrhosis will provide demographic and clinical data including liver disease history, Child-Pugh and MELD scores, and complications like varices or ascites. Safety monitoring will include tracking adverse events such as bleeding, infection, or perforation. The main outcome is the correlation between pressure measurements from EUS-PPG and HVPG taken within 7 days. Participants will continue to receive standard care for their liver condition throughout the study period.

EUS-guided Portal Pressure Gradient (PPG) Measurement: a Potential Alternative to the Traditional HVPG