Reconsideration of Inferior Vena Cava Parameters for Estimating Right Atrial Pressure in an East Asian Population　― Comparative Simultaneous Ultrasound-Catheterization Study ―

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound measurements of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter (IVCD), together with its respiratory variation, provide a noninvasive estimate of right atrial pressure (RAP). However, there is a paucity of studies that have compared this technique with simultaneous catheterization. We explored the best cut-off values of IVC parameters for elevated RAP in comparison with RAP measured by catheterization. METHODS AND RESULTS: and 40%), the sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal absolute IVCDmax and IVCCI cut-offs to detect elevated RAP were smaller than those in the current guidelines. Indexed IVCDmax may be an IVC parameter that can be used internationally.