Noninvasive portal pressure estimation using ultrasound-based subharmonic signals
Official title: Noninvasive Subharmonic Aided Pressure Estimation of Portal Hypertension
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11625565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A noninvasive ultrasound method to estimate portal vein pressure in adults with cirrhosis to help manage varices and ascites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2013 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $108,238 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DK098526-09S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11625565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cirrhosis and suspected or known portal hypertension who are able to undergo contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
✕Less likely to help
People without cirrhosis or portal hypertension or those unable to receive ultrasound contrast may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you have cirrhosis or portal hypertension, this study looks at a new ultrasound technique to estimate portal venous pressure without putting you through invasive procedures. The approach uses contrast-enhanced ultrasound subharmonic signals to infer pressure, building on prior pilot and multi-center work. The researchers aim to improve accuracy and safety in diagnosing portal hypertension and guiding treatment decisions. Participation would involve imaging sessions and follow-up as part of a larger, ongoing clinical program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could replace or reduce invasive pressure measurements, leading to safer and quicker assessment of portal hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot data showed the technique could distinguish significant portal hypertension and a larger multi-center effort is ongoing, suggesting promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forsberg, Flemming — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Forsberg, Flemming
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noninvasive MRI test to measure liver and portal blood pressure
An advanced MRI technique to measure pressure in the liver and portal circulation for people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
-
How molecular changes in the liver cause portal hypertension
This project looks at how changes in proteins that control nitric oxide in liver blood vessel cells lead to portal hypertension in people with liver injury.
-
Under-the-skin medicine for fluid buildup (ascites) from portal hypertension
A new injectable medicine given under the skin to help people with cirrhosis who have hard-to-treat fluid buildup in the belly.
-
Noninvasive method to measure portal vein pressure in cirrhosis
A noninvasive ultrasound technique called SHAPE could measure portal vein pressure in people with cirrhosis to help manage complications like variceal bleeding and ascites.
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Noninvasive evaluation of liver pressure and health using advanced imaging techniques
This study is testing a new, painless way to check liver health and pressure using advanced imaging technology, which could help people with chronic liver disease get better and safer care without needing invasive procedures.
-
Understanding how liver injury affects blood flow in portal hypertension
This study is looking into how liver damage affects blood flow in people with portal hypertension, focusing on certain proteins that help control blood flow, so we can better understand the condition and find new ways to treat it.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.