Published online Aug 16, 2017. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v9.i8.378
Peer-review started: February 2, 2017
First decision: February 20, 2017
Revised: March 30, 2017
Accepted: July 7, 2017
Article in press: July 10, 2017
Published online: August 16, 2017
The inspection of the liver is a valuable part of the upper endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) studies, regardless of the primary indication for the examination. The detailed images of the liver segments provided by EUS allows the use of this technique in the study of parenchymal liver disease and even in the diagnosis and classification of focal liver lesions. EUS has also emerged as an important tool in understanding the complex collateral circulation in patients with portal hypertension and their clinical and prognostic value. Recently, EUS-guided portal vein catheterization has been performed for direct portal pressure measurement as an alternative method to evaluate portal hemodynamics. In this review, the authors summarize the available evidence regarding the application of EUS to patients with liver diseases and how we can apply it in our current clinical practice.
Core tip: This review summarizes the current status of the available evidence regarding the application of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to patients with liver diseases, focusing on recent breakthroughs and its potential application on clinical practice. We highlight the emerging role of EUS in the study of parenchymal liver disease as well as in the diagnosis and classification of focal liver lesions. Finally, we emphasise the crucial role of EUS in the understanding of the complex collateral circulation in patients with portal hypertension.