Non-invasive assessment of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography

Abstract

Portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis are key pathophysiologies with major manifestations in cirrhosis. Although the degree of portal pressure and hepatic fibrosis are pivotal parameters, both are determined using invasive procedures. Ultrasound (US) is a simple and non-invasive technique that is available for use worldwide in the abdominal field. Because of its safety and easy of use, contrast-enhanced US is one of the most frequently used tools in the management of liver tumors for the detection and characterization of lesions, assessment of malignancy grade, and evaluation of therapeutic effects. This wide range of applications drives the practical use of contrast-enhanced US for evaluation of the severity of portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis. The present article reviews the recent progress in contrast-enhanced US for the assessment of portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis.

Keywords: Cirrhosis; Contrast agent; Fibrosis; Liver; Portal hemodynamics; Ultrasound.