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WJ CCM
World Journal of
Critical Care Medicine
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DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v5.i1.7
World J Crit Care Med 2016 February 4; 5(1): 7-11
ISSN 2220-3141 (online)
© 2016 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
EDITORIAL
Optimizing the value of measuring inferior vena cava
diameter in shocked patients
Fikri M Abu-Zidan
changes are more important than absolute numbers. We
advise using the longitudinal view (B mode) to evaluate
the gross collapsibility, and the M mode to measure the
IVC diameter. Combining the collapsibility and diameter
size will increase the value of IVC measurement. This
approach has been very useful in the resuscitation of
shocked patients, monitoring their fluid demands, and
predicting recurrence of shock. Pitfalls in measuring IVC
diameter include increased intra-thoracic pressure by
mechanical ventilation or increased right atrial pressure by
pulmonary embolism or heart failure. The IVC diameter is
not useful in cases of increased intra-abdominal pressure
(abdominal compartment syndrome) or direct pressure
on the IVC. The IVC diameter should be combined with
focused echocardiography and correlated with the clinical
picture as a whole to be useful.
Fikri M Abu-Zidan, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine
and Health Sciences, UAE University, PO Box 17666, Al-Ain,
United Arab Emirates
Author contributions: Abu-Zidan FM had the idea, critically
read the literature, supplied the images, wrote the paper, and
approved its final version.
Conflict-of-interest statement: None declared by the author.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article which was
selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external
reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative
Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license,
which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this
work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on
different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and
the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Key words: Inferior vena cava diameter; Point-of-care
ultrasound; Measurement
Correspondence to: Fikri M Abu-Zidan, MD, FACS, FRCS,
PhD, Dip Applied Statistics Professor, Acute Care Surgeon,
Point-of-care Sonographer, Statistical Consultant, Department
of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE
University, Tawam Roundabout, Tawam Street, PO Box 17666, AlAin, United Arab Emirates. fabuzidan@uaeu.ac.ae
Telephone: +971-50-8335390
Fax: +971-3-7672067
© The Author(s) 2016. Published by Baishideng Publishing
Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Core tip: Bedside measurement of inferior vena cava is
useful in evaluating and resuscitating shocked patients.
To achieve that, the operator should be well-trained, use
standardized techniques, understand ultrasound limitations,
and finally correlate the findings with the clinical picture
as a whole.
Received: July 15, 2015
Peer-review started: July 16, 2015
First decision: September 28, 2015
Revised: October 22, 2015
Accepted: December 8, 2015
Article in press: December 11, 2015
Published online: February 4, 2016
Abu-Zidan FM. Optimizing the value of measuring inferior
vena cava diameter in shocked patients. World J Crit Care Med
2016; 5(1): 7-11 Available from: URL: http://www.wjgnet.
com/2220-3141/full/v5/i1/7.htm DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5492/
wjccm.v5.i1.7
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound has been increasingly used in
evaluating shocked patients including the measurement
of inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter. Operators should
standardize their technique in scanning IVC. Relative
WJCCM|www.wjgnet.com
INTRODUCTION
Point-of-care ultrasound has been increasingly used in
February 4, 2016|Volume 5|Issue 1|
Abu-Zidan FM. IVC ultrasound measurement
Cross section
A
Longitudinal section
L
A
IVC
B
C
B
L
L
IVC
IVC
Aorta
C
L
IVC
Figure 1 A figure demonstrating the technique to measure the inferior
vena cava diameter longitudinally. A small print convex array probe with
a frequency of 3-5 MHZ is located in the mid-clavicular line at 90 degrees
perpendicular to the skin. The marker is pointing proximally towards the head
(arrow).
Figure 3 Cross section of the abdomen on the left side of the figure
showing the liver, inferior vena cava, and aorta. The B mode longitudinal
ultrasound image will depend on the angle between the plane of the ultrasound
section and the IVC. Three different planes are shown on the cross section
(A-B-C) and the corresponding longitudinal IVC images are shown to the right.
Longitudinal section A is the proper one as it crosses the IVC vertically at the
midpoint. Section B crosses the IVC vertically but peripherally and gives a false
low measurement of the IVC diameter. Section C crosses the IVC obliquely and
gives a false high IVC diameter measurement. IVC: Inferior vena cava.
C
A
B
while the patient is in supine position. The probe is
located in the mid-clavicular line between the ribs of the
right lower chest wall at 90 degrees perpendicular to the
skin. The marker points proximally towards the head
(Figure 1). The probe may be slightly directed towards
the right to be parallel to the IVC. The probe is then
shifted slowly transversely to get the best longitudinal
perpendicular view. We think that this is better than the
[7]
subxiphoid approach as the IVC is located slightly to
right and the diameter of the IVC may be overestimated
by getting an oblique section (Figure 2).
The ultrasound cross section should be vertical to the
IVC. Common pitfalls in measurement include measuring
the IVC obliquely or peripherally (Figures 2 and 3). In
general, it is advised to use the B mode to evaluate
the gross collapsibility of the IVC and the M mode to
accurately measure the changes in IVC diameter. The
IVC can be measured in both longitudinal and transverse
sections.
Pitfalls in measuring IVC include increased intrathoracic pressure resulting from mechanical ventilation or
increased right atrial pressure resulting from heart failure
or pulmonary embolism. These conditions will increase
[3]
the diameter of the abdominal IVC . We have recently
reported that IVC diameter was not useful in guiding
resuscitation, and was even misleading in abdominal
[9]
compartment syndrome . The increased pressure in
abdominal compartment syndrome will compress the
IVC and reduce its antero-posterior diameter. The
unexperienced clinician may increase the fluid resuscitation
which would further decrease the diameter. Furthermore,
direct pressure on the IVC as in late pregnancy and
[10]
acute gastric dilatation
can affect the measurement.
The IVC diameter should be combined with focused
Figure 2 Three dimensional diagram showing the longitudinal ultrasound
measurement of the antero-posterior diameter. Measurements depend on
the site and angle at which it crosses the IVC. Section A is the proper one as it
crosses the IVC vertically at the midpoint. Section B crosses the IVC vertically
but peripherally and gives a false low measurement of the IVC diameter.
Section C crosses the IVC obliquely and gives a false high measurement of the
IVC diameter. IVC: Inferior vena cava.
evaluating shocked patients including the measurement
[1-3]
of inferior vena cava diameter (IVC) . Nevertheless,
[4-6]
there have been conflicting results regarding its value .
It is important to highlight the technical and clinical
difficulties that may be encountered in measuring the
IVC diameter as these limit its use. There are four
components that affect the outcome of ultrasound
studies. These are the effectiveness and technical
limitations of the ultrasound machine, the experience
of the operator, the body built of the patient, and the
pathology studied.
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Operators should standardize their technique in scanning
the IVC. IVC can be measured through different appro
[7,8]
aches including the subxiphoid or subcostal approach .
We prefer to measure the IVC directly through a transhepatic approach using a portable machine and a small
print convex array probe with a frequency of 3-5 MHZ
WJCCM|www.wjgnet.com
February 4, 2016|Volume 5|Issue 1|
Abu-Zidan FM. IVC ultrasound measurement
B mode
B mode
M mode
M mode
A 0.59 cm
A 1.55 cm
B 1.41 cm
IVC index = (1.55-1.41)/1.55 = 9%
Figure 4 Inferior vena cava measurements in a 39-year-old man who was
in septic shock and complete renal failure. The upper image is a transverse
cross sectional B mode showing the aorta (yellow arrow) and the IVC (white
arrow). The lower image is an M mode showing the IVC measurement (A-A)
which is 59 mm indicating that the patient was hypovolemic. IVC: Inferior vena
cava.
Figure 5 Two point five liters of crystalloids were given to the previous
patient over 35 min and repeated measurements of the inferior vena cava
diameter were performed. The upper image is a transverse cross sectional B
mode showing the IVC (white arrow). The lower image is an M mode showing
that the IVC increased to a maximum 1.55 cm with an IVC index of 9%
[(1.55-1.41)/1.55]. A-A in the M mode represents the maximum IVC diameter
while B-B represents the minimum IVC diameter. IVC: Inferior vena cava.
echocardiography and correlated with the clinical picture
as a whole to be useful.
from transient responders who develop recurrent shock.
[14]
These findings were supported by Feissel et al who
found the same results in ventilated septic patients.
[15]
Furthermore, Schefold et al
found that IVC diameter
was highly correlated with the central venous pressure
and extravascular lung water index in septic ventilated
intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This may be helpful
in avoiding unnecessary volume expansion in these sick
[5]
patients. In contrast, Corl et al found that measuring
the IVC index was not a good marker for proper fluid
responsiveness in the emergency department and
questioned its value.
[4]
Weekes et al prospectively evaluated the gross
appearance of IVC and correlated it with the actual
measured size in 24 hypotensive patients. They developed
a three point scale of visual appearance of IVC as follows:
(1) decreased IVC index of ≤ 0.3; (2) normal range
(0.31-0.69); and (3) increased index ≥ 0.7. Serial gross
evaluation of IVC agreed with the actual measured IVC
during fluid resuscitation. This study supports the opinion
that relative changes are more important than absolute
numbers. Gross collapsibility is a more useful marker
[3]
for hypovolemia than IVC collapsibility index . We
advise using the longitudinal view (B mode) to evaluate
the gross collapsibility, and the M mode to measure
the diameter of IVC. Combining the collapsibility and
diameter will increase the value of IVC measurement.
This approach has been very useful in our hands (Figures
4-6).
VALUE OF MEASURING IVC DIAMETER
IN SHOCKED PATIENTS
IVC measurement can be used as part of defined
protocols in diagnosing shocked patients to optimize its
value. These protocols evaluate the heart, IVC, chest,
and the abdomen to try defining the cause of the shock.
Our group follows the RUSH protocol which examines
the pump (heart), tubes (great vessels) and reservoir
[2]
(free intra-peritoneal or intra-thoracic fluid) . Vegas et
[7]
al use the same principles but in a different approach,
whereby they classify the shocked patients into those
with (1) reduced mean systemic venous pressure;
(2) increased right atrial pressure; and (3) increased
resistance to the venous return. They study the size of
IVC, respiratory variation of the IVC, and the hepatic
[7]
venous flow to define the type of shock .
In a study of 47 patients having septic shock, Coen
[11]
et al
used the variability of IVC diameter to decide
the volume of fluid resuscitation. They gave boluses
of 500 mL of crystalloids as needed to reach an IVC
index of 30%-50% which was defined as [(maximum
IVC diameter - minimum IVC diameter)/maximum IVC
diameter] × 100. IVC measurement was feasible in 92%
of the cases and central venous catheter was avoided in
more than one third of the patients. The IVC index was
significantly higher in shocked patients compared with
[12]
non shocked patients .
The IVC diameter was negatively correlated with
the lactate level and positively correlated with the base
excess level during hemorrhagic shock resuscitation
[8]
indicating its good clinical value . Furthermore, Yanagawa
[13]
et al
prospectively studied 30 trauma patients and
found that the relative change of IVC diameter is
effective in differentiating stable resuscitation responders
WJCCM|www.wjgnet.com
EVIDENCED-BASED APPROACH
There is no doubt that this area needs more evidence
[6]
based approach. Dipti et al in a meta-analysis that was
published in 2012, studied the value of IVC diameter
in estimating volume status in adults. They searched 5
major databases and combined 5 prospective studies on
this topic. The meta-analysis included 86 hypovolemic
February 4, 2016|Volume 5|Issue 1|
Abu-Zidan FM. IVC ultrasound measurement
A
150
whole.
B
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Invasive SBP (mmHg)
130
The author thanks Ms. Geraldine Kershaw, Lecturer,
Medical Communication and Study Skills, Department
of Medical Education, College of Medicine and Health
Sciences, UAE University for language and grammar
corrections.
110
90
70
REFERENCES
50
6 am
9 am
12 pm
1
t /h
Figure 6 The patient’s blood pressure quickly improved without evidence
of pulmonary oedema. Point A is when images in Figure 4 were taken while
point B is when images in Figure 5 were taken.
2
3
patients and 189 controls. IVC diameter was significantly
less in hypovolemic patients compared with controls.
These studies stemmed from 4 countries having good
external validity and a spectrum of different disease
severity. Nevertheless, the analysis had a very high
2
heterogeneity (I = 99%), no randomized controlled
study was included, and the sample size was small.
A recent prospective randomized controlled trial
in injured patients having hypotension or tachycardia
treated in a level Ⅰ trauma center in United States
[16]
has just been published . It compared transthoracic
limited echocardiography including measuring IVC (106
patients) with usual care (134 patients). The outcome
variables were fluid requirement, time to surgery,
percentage of ICU admission, and mortality. This study
shows that limited echocardiography significantly
reduced the IV fluid requirements (average of 1.5 L
compared with 2.5 L) and significantly reduced the
time to the operating theatre (by 50%). It also alerted
the physicians to the seriousness of some cases and
increased the likelihood of ICU admission of such cases
(from 67% to 80%).
It may be argued that the statements expressed in
this editorial are biased. I have been interested in and
passionate about point of care ultrasound for a quarter
of a century, since time when it was not yet commonly
used by surgeons or intensivists. I have observed the
dramatic improvement in this field over time including
the huge progress in point-of-care ultrasound and the
development of acute care surgery as a special entity.
I have been measuring the IVC diameter in criticallyill and trauma shocked patients as an acute care
surgeon over the last 8 years and using it in making
very critical decisions in a busy acute care hospital.
From personal experience, I am confident that bedside
measurement of IVC is to stay. It is useful in evaluating
and resuscitating shocked patients. To achieve that,
the operator should be well-trained, use standardized
techniques, understand ultrasound limitations, and
finally correlate the findings with the clinical picture as a
WJCCM|www.wjgnet.com
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
10
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P- Reviewer: Boucek C, Inaba H, Lin J, Willms D
S- Editor: Gong XM L- Editor: A E- Editor: Lu YJ
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