Endoscopic ultrasonography for the evaluation of portal hypertension

Abstract

Since the 1980s, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been useful in the evaluation of portal hypertension, either for the diagnostic aspects or for the evaluation of therapy and risk of bleeding. More recently, it has been described as a method for guiding interventions such as variceal injection, portal vein catheterization, or even for creating an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the animal laboratory. The new generation of radial electronic echoendoscopes is equipped with color Doppler capability, allowing for measurement of any hemodynamic parameter of the portal circulation. This article summarizes the current knowledge on the role of EUS for the evaluation of portal hypertension.