Comparing HVPG and endoscopic ultrasound portal pressure measurements

Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Versus Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Portal Pressure Gradient - Comparative Analysis

Not applicable Interventional Military University Hospital, Prague · NCT07424963

This study will test whether an endoscopic ultrasound method (EUS-PPG) gives the same portal pressure readings as the standard hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in adults who need portal pressure measurement.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorMilitary University Hospital, Prague Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Prague, Bohemia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07424963 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares portal pressure readings from the standard transjugular hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) technique with readings obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided portal pressure gradient (EUS-PPG). Participants indicated for HVPG will first have HVPG measured while conscious by one operator, then HVPG repeated under anesthesia by a second operator blinded to the initial values, and finally EUS-PPG will be performed by an endoscopist blinded to prior measurements. The primary aim is to determine whether EUS-PPG provides equivalent gradient accuracy to HVPG. Results could clarify whether EUS-PPG is a reliable alternative for clinical decision-making in portal hypertension.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–75 years with a clinical indication for HVPG measurement or transjugular liver biopsy for chronic advanced liver disease are ideal candidates for this study.

Not a fit: Patients with portal vein thrombosis, cavernoma, severe comorbidities, pregnancy, uncontrolled coagulopathy, Grade 3 ascites, altered upper GI anatomy, or who cannot stop anticoagulation are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, EUS-PPG could become a reliable alternative way to measure portal pressure that might be performed during endoscopy and broaden access to accurate portal pressure data.

How similar studies have performed: Small single-center studies and pilot series have shown promising agreement between EUS-PPG and HVPG, but larger comparative validations are still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years at the time of enrollment; signed informed consent
* Clinical indication for HVPG measurement and/or transjugular liver biopsy for chronic advanced liver disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe co-morbidities (e.g., advanced chronic heart failure, chronic renal insufficiency stage 4 and above, long-term poorly compensated diabetes mellitus with severe complications)
* Pregnancy
* Estimated patient non-compliance and/or not signing of the informed consent
* Documented iodine contrast dye allergy
* Presence of portal vein thrombosis or cavernomatous transformation of portal vein or hepatic vein obstruction
* Ascites Grade 3
* Biliary obstruction
* Anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, which cannot be discontinued
* INR \> 1.5 and/or platelet count \< 50,000/µl
* Hepatocellular carcinoma in the left lobe of the liver
* Surgically altered upper gastrointestinal tract anatomy
* State after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
* State after liver transplantation

Where this trial is running

Prague, Bohemia and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CirrhosisPortal HypertensionEUSNon-Cirrhotic Portal HypertensionHVPGHepatic Venous Pressure GradientEUS-PPGportal hypertension
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.