hepatic venous pressure gradient

The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measures the pressure difference between the portal vein (which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver) and the hepatic veins (which drain blood from the liver). It helps doctors evaluate the severity of liver scarring (fibrosis or cirrhosis). When the liver is scarred, blood flow through it is obstructed, raising the pressure in the portal vein. A high HVPG indicates significant resistance to blood flow, increasing the risk of complications like variceal bleeding. It is a useful tool for assessing liver disease progression and guiding treatment decisions.