Needle-Free hope: ultrasound may spot dangerous liver pressure

NCT ID NCT07365709

Not yet recruiting Diagnosis Sponsor: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a combination of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and spleen stiffness measurement can accurately detect high blood pressure in the liver (portal hypertension) in people with cirrhosis. Currently, doctors must insert a catheter into a neck vein to measure this pressure, which is uncomfortable and risky. If the non-invasive methods work well, they could replace the invasive test. The study will enroll 107 adults with cirrhosis and compare the ultrasound results to the standard invasive measurement.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: SonoVue (sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a safe, non-invasive alternative to the current invasive test for diagnosing portal hypertension in cirrhosis patients.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage diagnostic study with only 107 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The new methods may not be accurate enough to replace the gold standard test.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cirrhosis of liver Fibrosis portal hypertension splenic disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CIRRHOSIS PORTAL HYPERTENSION SPLEEN DISEASE

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