Correlation Between Inferior Vena Cava/Aorta Diameter Index and CVP - A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the inferior vena cava/aorta diameter index correlates with central venous pressure (CVP) in the emergency department. METHODS: We selected patients who had computed tomography and had their central venous pressure checked between September 2008 and December 2008. Measurement of the IVC and aorta diameters was performed in conjunction with computed tomography. Subjects were divided into two groups those with a CVP of less than 8 cm H2O (group A), and those with a CVP greater than 8 cm H2O (group B). Data collected included the patient's age, sex, height, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, hemoglobin level, IVC diameter and aorta diameter. We analyzed the correlation between the IVC/aorta index and the CVP. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the study. Of the 80, 39 patients were assigned to group A and 41 to group B. The mean IVC diameter in group A was 14.98+/-2.58 mm; in group B it was and 18.84+/-3.01 (p<0.01). The IVC/aorta index in group A was 0.72+/-0.12; in group B it was 0.96+/-0.20 (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient for CVP and IVC was 0.72 (p<0.01); for CVP and aorta it was - 1.5 (p=0.17); for CVP and the IVC/aorta index it was 0.69 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The IVC/aorta index is related to the CVP. There is a difference in the IVC diameter and IVC/aorta index between groups A and B. The IVC/aorta index may be a predictor of body fluid status in the emergency department.