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Updated: May 20, 2026

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Indications for portal pressure measurement in chronic liver disease
Lise Hobolth1, Flemming Bendtsen, Søren Møller
1Gastro Unit, Medical Division 360, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. lise@hobolth.dk
Abstract:
Portal hypertension leads to development of serious complications such as esophageal varices, ascites, renal and cardiovascular dysfunction. The importance of the degree of portal hypertension has been substantiated within recent years. Measurement of the portal pressure is simple and safe and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) independently predicts survival and development of complications such as ascites, HCC and bleeding from esophageal varices. Moreover, measurements of HVPG can be used to guide pharmacotherapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding. Assessment of HVPG should therefore be considered as a part of the general characterization of patients with portal hypertension in departments assessing and treating this condition.
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