New ultrasound technique could spot liver damage in obese patients without a needle
NCT ID NCT05728697
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a special ultrasound done during an endoscopy can accurately detect liver scarring in people with obesity and suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers will compare this new method to standard tests and liver biopsy in 150 adults. The procedure adds only 2-3 minutes to a routine endoscopy and is considered safe.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Endoscopic ultrasound shear wave elastography (EUS-SWE) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a more accurate, non-invasive way to screen for liver scarring in people with obesity and fatty liver disease, reducing the need for liver biopsies.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study with only 150 participants. The technique may not prove accurate enough to replace current methods, and results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 150 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2021
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Adults who are overweight or obese with suspected or confirmed NAFLD/NASH planned for clinically indicated EUS with liver biopsy
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 years or older * Planned for clinically indicated endoscopic ultrasound with plan for follow up liver biopsy * Suspected or confirmed non alcoholic fatty liver disease prior to procedure * Body mass index \>=25 Exclusion Criteria: * Inadequate liver biopsy sample
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Get notified about this study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02130, United States
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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