Point-of-care ultrasound view
POCUS View
Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound
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Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
Use a phased-array or curvilinear probe with the patient supine. From the subxiphoid position, identify the inferior vena cava in long axis as it enters the right atrium, distinguishing it from the aorta (the cava is thinner-walled, more compressible, and drains into the right atrium). Measure its diameter about 2 to 3 cm from the cavoatrial junction (just distal to the hepatic vein inflow) and observe the change in diameter with respiration or a sniff.
How to Interpret
Showing all 1 finding
Fluid Responsiveness
Respiratory variation in inferior vena cava diameter on bedside ultrasound in a critically ill adult to assess fluid responsiveness
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Helpful
Evidence:Strong