title: Evaluation of size and dynamics of the inferior vena cava as an index of right-sided cardiac function.
abstract: To define normal criteria of size and dynamics of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and its clinical value in assessing right-sided cardiac function, 2-dimensional (2-D) and M-mode echocardiography (echo) were performed in 175 subjects, who were classified into 3 groups: group 1-80 normal subjects; group IIA--65 patients with documented right-sided cardiac disease, and group IIB--30 patients with cardiac disease but no right-sided abnormality. The IVC was adequately imaged in 175 of 185 subjects (95%). There was good correlation between M-mode and 2-D echo (r = 0.84) and long- and short-axis (r = 0.88) measurements. The IVC diameter during expiration was: group 1-9 to 28 mm (mean 18.2 +/- 4.6); group IIA--15 to 40 mm (mean 23.1 +/- 4.8) and group IIB-8-24 mm (mean 15.6 +/- 3.7). Collapsibility index (inspiratory decrease in diameter) was: group I-37 to 100% (mean 55.8 +/- 15.9); group IIA--0 to 39% (mean 13.5 +/- 10.5); and group IIB--44 to 100% (mean 60.4 +/- 13.1). A and V waves could be measured in 120 of 151 cases (79%). Both A and V waves were less than 125% of its diameter in group I. The A wave was absent in 34 patients; 30 (88%) were in atrial fibrillation. Among 8 patients with tricuspid regurgitation, 5 (63%) had V waves greater than 125%. There was no correlation between diameter or collapsibility index and age, sex, rhythm or body surface area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003187:Compliance; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012119:Respiration; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000502:physiology; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology