Inferior Vena Cava Measurement with Ultrasound: What Is the Best View and Best Mode?

Author Affiliation
Nathan M. Finnerty, MD The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Ashish R. Panchal, MD, PhD The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Creagh Boulger, MD The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Amar Vira, MD The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Jason J. Bischof, MD The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Christopher Amick, MD The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
David P. Way, MEd The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
David P. Bahner, MD The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Limitations
Conclusion

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Intravascular volume status is an important clinical consideration in the management of the critically ill. Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has gained popularity as a non-invasive means of intravascular volume assessment via examination of the inferior vena cava (IVC). However, there are limited data comparing different acquisition techniques for IVC measurement by POCUS. The goal of this evaluation was to determine the reliability of three IVC acquisition techniques for volume assessment: sub-xiphoid transabdominal long axis (LA), transabdominal short axis (SA), and right lateral transabdominal coronal long axis (CLA) (aka “rescue view”).

Methods

Volunteers were evaluated by three experienced emergency physician sonographers (EP). Gray scale (B-mode) and motion-mode (M-mode) diameters were measured and IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI) calculated for three anatomic views (LA, SA, CLA). For each IVC measurement, we calculated descriptive statistics, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and two-way univariate analyses of variance.

Results

EPs evaluated 39 volunteers, yielding 351 total US measurements. Measurements of the three views had similar means (LA 1.9 ± 0.4cm; SA 1.9 ± 0.4cm; CLA 2.0 ± 0.5cm). For B-Mode, LA had the highest ICC (0.86, 95% CI [0.76–0.92]) while CLA had the poorest ICC (0.74, 95% CI [0.56–0.85]). ICCs for all M-mode IVCCI were low. Significant interaction effects between anatomical view and EP were observed for B-mode and M-mode measurements. Post-hoc analyses revealed difficulty in consistent view acquisition between EPs.

Conclusion

Inter-rater reliability of the IVC by EPs was highest for B-mode LA and poorest for all M-Mode IVC collapsibility indices (IVCCI). These results suggest that B-mode LA holds the most promise to deliver reliable measures of IVC diameter. Future studies may focus on validation in a clinical setting as well as comparison to a reference standard.

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous fluid resuscitation is vital in the critically ill; 1 however, excessive fluid administration has been shown to contribute to mortality.2,3 Rapid assessment of volume status may reduce over-resuscitation and improve outcomes. As it has been established that clinical examination alone is unreliable, more objective means of intravascular volume assessment have arisen. 4-6 Of those, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) has gained popularity as a noninvasive, easily obtainable, and rapid means of intravascular volume assessment. 7-10 Various techniques for IVC assessment have emerged but vary in populations studied, anatomical approach, and sonographic methodology.7,8,11-14 Currently there is no standardized approach for intravascular volume assessment by POCUS of the IVC, which may contribute to current controversies regarding its usefulness.15,16 The objective of this study was to quantify the difference between three approaches to IVC diameter measurement.

METHODS

Design

This was a prospective evaluation of 39 healthy adults approved by the hospital’s institutional review board.

Setting and Population

Medical students from The Ohio State University College of Medicine participating in the Trained Simulated Ultrasound Patients (TSUP) program were enrolled on a volunteer basis and consented for participation in this study. Participating medical students serve as trained simulated ultrasound patients and are a volunteer group that fulfills the need for normal anatomic models for ultrasound education. 17 Exclusion criteria included inability to lie flat and inability by the ultrasonographer to adequately visualize and measure the IVC.

 

Population Health Research Capsule

What do we already know about this issue?

Though point-of-care ultrasound has gained popularity as a non-invasive means of intravascular volume assessment, there is no standardized approach to inferior vena cava measurement.

What was the research question?

Which anatomical view and imaging modality of the inferior vena cava has the highest inter-rater reliability?

What was the major finding of the study?

The sub-xiphoid transabdominal long axis view in gray scale (B-mode) demonstrated the highest inter-rater reliability.

How does this improve population health?

A standardized approach to non-invasive volume assessment may reduce discrepancies and variability in the acute healthcare of various populations.

 

Protocol

Three emergency physician (EP) sonographers, all with experience in IVC POCUS (>150 ultrasounds performed), performed the ultrasound examinations. Two of the EPs are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)-certified, and the third EP was completing an emergency medicine fellowship in ultrasound. Measurements of the IVC were obtained with the patient in the supine position. Data collection consisted of gray scale (B-mode) and motion-mode (M-mode) IVC diameter. For M-mode, IVC diameters were measured both during quiet passive respiration and then followed by a rapid inspiratory effort or “sniff.” Respiratory variability with percentage collapse of the IVC was calculated as the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI): [(Maximum IVC diameter – Minimum IVC diameter)/Maximum IVC diameter] × 100.

Three anatomic approaches were used for data collection and comparison: 1) sub-xyphoid transabdominal long axis (LA) 2–3cm caudal to the right atrial (RA) junction (Figure 1); 2) transabdominal short axis (SA) immediately inferior to the inflow of the hepatic veins (Figure 2); and 3) right lateral transabdominal coronal long axis (CLA) (aka “rescue view”) 2–3cm caudal to the RA junction (Figure 3).

Figure 1
IVC, inferior vena cava

Figure 2
IVC, inferior vena cava

Figure 3
IVC, inferior vena cava

All measurements were obtained with a 3.5-Mhz curved array ultrasound (US) probe on a portable US device (M-Turbo-Fujifilm – Bothell, Washington). Data were recorded in both digital and analogue formats and reviewed for quality assurance. For discrepancies in recorded data, we discarded analogue measurements and included digital data for analysis.

Data Analysis

We calculated inter-rater reliability for each POCUS method using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for continuous variables. In addition, the effects of sonographer and view acquisition on ICC values were analyzed via two-way univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA) with one repeated measure (EP by View) for both B- and M-mode to account for conditional changes imposed by the EP and method of acquisition. Significant main effects were followed up with post hoc analyses (Student Newman-Keuls (SNK)) and significant interactions were followed up with simple interactions. We performed statistical analysis using STATA v.12 (STATA Corp, College Station, TX). A sample size of 39 subjects was determined to have >80% power to detect a statistically significant difference in IVC measurement, with significance defined as alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS

Each of the three EPs evaluated 39 TSUPs who were included in final statistical analysis, representing 351 total ultrasound scans. None of the volunteers met exclusion criteria. Mean diameters were performed for B-Mode, expiratory M-mode (IVCe), and inspiratory M-mode (IVCi) (Table 1). The highest ICC was found to be B-mode LA, 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.76–0.92]) and poorest was M-mode IVCCI LA, 0.14 (95% CI [−0.27–0.47]) (Table 2).

Table 1Mean inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter by ultrasound view and mode.

View Mode Mean (SD)
View B-mode 1.86 (0.42)
IVCe 1.97 (0.47)
IVCi 1.25 (0.45)
SA (cm) B-mode 1.89 (0.43)
IVCe 1.98 (0.46)
IVCi 1.33 (0.49)
CLA (cm) B-mode 1.98 (0.44)
IVCe 2.02 (0.47)
IVCi 1.41 (0.46)

LA, sub-xyphoid transabdominal long axis; SA, transabdominal short axis; CLA, right lateral transabdominal coronal long axis; IVCe, inferior vena cava expiration; IVCi, inferior vena cava inspiration N = 117 ultrasound scans per mode.

Table 2Interclass correlation coefficient by modality.

View B-mode (95% CI) IVCe (95% CI) IVCi (95% CI) IVCCI (95% CI)
LA 0.86 (0.76–0.92) 0.78 (0.60–0.88) 0.57 (0.19–0.78) 0.14 (−0.27–0.47)
SA 0.78 (0.63–0.88) 0.76 (0.53–0.88) 0.63 (0.28–0.81) 0.27 (−0.11–0.56)
CLA 0.74 (0.56–0.85) 0.68 (0.45–0.82) 0.66 (0.42–0.81) 0.32 (−0.08–0.60)

LA, sub-xyphoid transabdominal long axis; SA, transabdominal short axis; CLA, right lateral transabdominal coronal long axis; IVCe, inferior vena cava expiration; IVCi, inferior vena cava inspiration N = 117 ultrasound scans per mode.

We performed univariate ANOVA for each anatomic position and modality. Significant interaction effects between anatomical view and EP were observed for B-mode (p interaction < 0.01), IVCe (p interaction < 0.01), IVCi (p interaction < 0.01). Post hoc analyses revealed difficulty in consistent view acquisition between EPs.

DISCUSSION

There are limited data comparing acquisition techniques. Wallace et. al. demonstrated equivalence in two anatomical approaches, namely, at the level of the left renal vein and 2 cm caudal to the hepatic vein inlet, both of which differ from measurements taken at the junction of the right atrium (RA). 7 The most commonly cited approaches are 2–3cm caudal to the RA junction and inferior, caudal, or distal to the hepatic veins, suggesting the need to compare these approaches.14,18-26

In this study we found strong agreement between EP sonographers for B-mode IVC diameter measurements and moderate agreement for IVCe and IVCi, measurements. Agreement between IVCCI was poor. Fields et. al. also described a strong agreement in IVC measurements when comparing diameter dimensions, which is subsequently lost in IVCCI analysis. This was ascribed to multiplicative augmentation in diameter differences in the IVCCI calculation leading to a lowering of ICC when comparing IVCCI to its separate elements. 27

Movement of the IVC occurs mediolaterally and craniocaudally during respirophasic POCUS, with collapse of the vessel occurring off axis from the true vertical. 28 This has led to suggestions in methodological approaches to IVC measurement favoring B-mode and discouraging M-mode7,8, although recent literature indicates that this may not be of clinical significance. 8 Our results do support the use of B-mode over M-mode; however, ICC remains moderate in IVCe and IVCi.

Our data suggest that B-mode, subxyphoid LA 2–3cm caudal to the RA junction is the most reliable means of IVC acquisition. When compared to SA immediately inferior to the hepatic veins and CLA (aka “rescue view”) 2–3cm caudal to the RA junction, LA has the highest ICC. IVC measurement is less reliable in M-mode when compared to B-mode. This discrepancy is augmented when calculating IVCCI. These findings are consistent with current literature on the topic.8,14,27, 29

LIMITATIONS

The study population consisted of a cohort of young, healthy volunteers from a relatively small sample size. This represents the greatest limitation to the generalizability and clinical application of this study, given this is not the typical patient population on which critical care resuscitation and intravascular volume assessment is performed. In addition, the EP sonographers acquiring data for the purposes of this study had training and experience beyond the average provider. Respiratory variation was measured during a rapid, forceful “sniff” as opposed to quiet respiration. IVC measures were performed in sequence (i.e. SA followed by LA, followed by CLA). Effect of diameter measured due to order of acquisition is unlikely; however, randomization of acquisition could have eliminated the potential for interaction or bias. Finally, collapsibility indices may be less useful clinically and evaluation of percentage of IVC collapse may prove more reliable. These conditions together may limit the generalizability of our findings, and further investigation and validation is warranted.

CONCLUSION

POCUS of the IVC is a non-invasive means of volume assessment in the critically ill. Standardization and optimal techniques for IVC assessment have yet to be agreed upon. This study was designed to determine inter-rater reliability of ultrasound measurements between different views and modalities. These results suggest that B-mode LA holds the most promise to deliver reliable measures of IVC diameter. These data may help to establish a standardized approach to POCUS of the IVC for intravascular volume assessment. Future studies may focus on validation in a clinical setting as well as comparison to a reference standard.

Footnotes

Section Editor: Laleh Gharahbaghian, MD

Full text available through open access at http://escholarship.org/uc/uciem_westjem

Address for Correspondence: Nathan M. Finnerty, MD, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, 750. Prior Hall, 376 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Email: nathan.finnerty@osumc.edu. 4 / 2017; 18:496 – 501

Submission history: Revision received September 15, 2016; Submitted November 26, 2016; Accepted December 12, 2016

Conflicts of Interest: By the WestJEM article submission agreement, all authors are required to disclose all affiliations, funding sources and financial or management relationships that could be perceived as potential sources of bias. The authors disclosed none.

REFERENCES

1. Perner A, De Backer D. Understanding hypovolaemia. Intensive Care Med. 2014;40(4):613-5.

2. Boyd JH, Forbes J, Nakada TA, et al. Fluid resuscitation in septic shock: a positive fluid balance and elevated central venous pressure are associated with increased mortality. Crit Care Med. 2011;39(2):259-65.

3. Vincent JL, Sakr Y, Sprung CL, et al. Sepsis in European intensive care units: results of the SOAP study. Crit Care Med. 2006;34(2):344-53.

4. Yanagiba S, Ando Y, Kusano E, et al. Utility of the inferior vena cava diameter as a marker of dry weight in nonoliguric hemodialyzed patients. ASAIO J. 2001;47(5):528-32.

5. Brennan JM, Blair JE, Goonewardena S, et al. Reappraisal of the use of inferior vena cava for estimating right atrial pressure. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2007;20(7):857-61.

6. Eisenberg PR, Jaffe AS, Schuster DP. Clinical evaluation compared to pulmonary artery catheterization in the hemodynamic assessment of critically ill patients. Crit Care Med. 1984;12(7):549-53.

7. Wallace DJ, Allison M, Stone MB. Inferior vena cava percentage collapse during respiration is affected by the sampling location: an ultrasound study in healthy volunteers. Acad Emerg Med. 2010;17(1):96-9.

8. Celebi Yamanoglu NG, Yamanoglu A, Parlak I, et al. The role of inferior vena cava diameter in volume status monitoring; the best sonographic measurement method?. Am J Emerg Med. 2015;33(3):433-8.

9. Zhang Z, Xu X, Ye S, et al. Ultrasonographic measurement of the respiratory variation in the inferior vena cava diameter is predictive of fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2014;40(5):845-53.

10. Stawicki SP, Braslow BM, Panebianco NL, et al. Intensivist use of hand-carried ultrasonography to measure IVC collapsibility in estimating intravascular volume status: correlations with CVP. J Am Coll Surg. 2009;209(1):55-61.

11. Sefidbakht S, Assadsangabi R, Abbasi HR, et al. Sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava as a predictor of shock in trauma patients. Emerg Radiol. 2007;14(3):181-5.

12. Akilli B, Bayir A, Kara F, et al. Inferior vena cava diameter as a marker of early hemorrhagic shock: a comparative study. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2010;16(2):113-8.

13. Yanagawa Y, Sakamoto T, Okada Y. Hypovolemic shock evaluated by sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava during resuscitation in trauma patients. J Trauma. 2007;63(6):1245-8.

14. Lyon M, Blaivas M, Brannam L. Sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava as a marker of blood loss. Am J Emerg Med. 2005;23(1):45-50.

15. Resnick J, Cydulka R, Platz E, et al. Ultrasound does not detect early blood loss in healthy volunteers donating blood. J Emerg Med. 2011;41(3):270-5.

16. Corl K, Napoli AM, Gardiner F. Bedside sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava caval index is a poor predictor of fluid responsiveness in emergency department patients. Emerg Med Australas. 2012;24(5):534-9.

17. Blickendorf JM, Adkins EJ, Boulger C, et al. Trained simulated ultrasound patients: medical students as models, learners, and teachers. J Ultrasound Med. 2014;33(1):35-8.

18. Goldflam K, Saul T, Lewiss R. Focus On: Inferior vena cava ultrasound. ACEP News. Available at: https://www.acep.org/content.aspx?id=80791.2011.

19. ACEP Emergency Ultrasound Guidelines. Ann Emeg Med. 2009;53(4):550-70.

20. Blehar DJ, Dickman E, Gaspari R. Identification of congestive heart failure via respiratory variation of inferior vena cava diameter. Am J Emerg Med. 2009;27(1):71-5.

21. Brennan JM, Blair JE, Goonewardena S, et al. A comparison by medicine residents of physical examination versus hand-carried ultrasound for estimation of right atrial pressure. Am J Cardiol. 2007;99(11):1614-6.

22. Kircher BJ, Himelman RB, Schiller NB. Noninvasive estimation of right atrial pressure from the inspiratory collapse of the inferior vena cava. Am J Cardiol. 1990;66(4):493-46.

23. Minutiello L. Non-invasive evaluation of central venous pressure derived from respiratory variations in the diameter of the inferior vena cava. Minerva Cardioangiol. 1993;41(10):433-7.

24. Moreno FL, Hagan AD, Holmen JR, et al. Evaluation of size and dynamics of the inferior vena cava as an index of right-sided cardiac function. Am J Cardiol. 1984;53(4):579-85.

25. Brennan JM, Ronan A, Goonewardena S, et al. Handcarried ultrasound measurement of the inferior vena cava for assessment of intravascular volume status in the outpatient hemodialysis clinic. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2006;1(4):749-53.

26. Feissel M, Michard F, Faller JP, et al. The respiratory variation in inferior vena cava diameter as a guide to fluid therapy. Intensive Care Med. 2004;30(9):1834-7.

27. Fields JM, Lee PA, Jenq KY, et al. The interrater reliability of inferior vena cava ultrasound by bedside clinician sonographers in emergency department patients. Acad Emerg Med. 2011;18(1):98-101.

28. Blehar DJ, Resop D, Chin B, et al. Inferior vena cava displacement during respirophasic ultrasound imaging. Crit Ultrasound J. 2012;4(1):18.

29. Akkaya A, Yesilaras M, Aksay E, et al. The interrater reliability of ultrasound imaging of the inferior vena cava performed by emergency residents. Am J Emerg Med. 2013;31(10):1509-11.