IVC ultrasound

Background

• Inferior vena cava ultrasound measurements
• >50% collapse correlates with CVP < 8
• Unclear if able to use in intubated patients

Technique

• Use phased array probe
• In subxyphoid cardiac view (epigastric), fan probe inferiorly to view the IVC draining into the right atrium
  • may start with subxyphoid view, place right atrium in center of screen and rotate probe 90 degrees clockwise to find IVC
• In the RUQ, slide the probe posteriorly to view the IVC draining into the right atrium

Measurements

IVC	% Collapse during inspiration^	CVP
<1.5cm	>50%	0-5
1.5-2.5cm	>50%	5-10
1.5-2.5cm	<50%	10-15
>2.5cm	Little phasicity	15-20

^Measure ~2cm from IVC/RA junction

• Can ask patient to sniff or valsalva to evaluate collapse

See Also

• Ultrasound (Main)