HVPG (HEPATIC VENOUS PRESSURE GRADIENT)
HVPG (HEPATIC VENOUS PRESSURE GRADIENT)
What is HVPG:
- HVPG is a clinical measurement of the pressure gradient between the WHVP (Wedge hepatic venous pressure) and the free hepatic venous pressures (FHPV), so it is indirect estimate of the portal venous pressure.
- It is GOLD standard for diagnosis of portal hypertension.
Why it is necessary:
- Diagnosis of liver fibrosis and risk stratification.
- Monitoring of the efficacy of medical treatment for portal hypertension.
- Assessment of progression of portal hypertension.
Identification of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are candidates for liver resection.
How it performed:
- Access of neck vein with small sheath taken followed by measurement of HVPG done with catheter.
- An HVPG of ≥10 mmHg defines portal hypertension.
- Above 12 mm Hg, there is high risk of hematemesis (upper GI bleed through varices).
Preparation for procedure:
- Few basic blood investigations like LFT, CBC, PT/INR, viral markers.
- Fasting for 4-6 hrs.
- Bring all the records including imaging record.
- Signing consent form.
Duration of procedure:
- We are fast and competent to provide you comfortable environment and ease your anxiety. Approx. time for procedure is 30 min.
What are risk:
- Bleeding (less than 1 case in 10000).