SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF INFRARENAL INFERIOR VENA-CAVAL DIMENSIONS

The dimensions of the infrarenal inferior vena cava during quiet respi ration, single leg lifting, and breath-holding were assessed using son ography in 156 patients. Sonographic assessment of infrarenal inferior vena caval dimensions was feasible in 69% of patients. Measurements d uring breath-holding were significantly greater than during quiet resp iration (P < 0.001) and leg lifting (P < 0.005), although in approxima tely one quarter of the patients the mean calculated diameter was grea test during quiet respiration. We conclude that sonographic assessment of infrarenal inferior vena caval dimensions is feasible, but it shou ld be performed during quiet respiration and breath-holding to allow f or variation with different respiratory maneuvers.