The use of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension

The role of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of chronic liver disease is rapidly increasing. It forms one of the major backbones of endo-hepatology and brings us a step closer to personalized medicine. This review will focus on the particular use of EUS in the diagnosis and management of cirrhotic portal hypertension and potential complications hereof, such as ascites and gastrooesophageal varices. More specifically, EUS-guided Porto-systemic Pressure Gradient (EUS-PPG) measurement, EUS-guided coil and glue embolization of gastric varices, EUS-guided paracentesis and EUS-guided intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation (IPSS) will be discussed in-depth with regard to clinical status, available data and technical considerations.