Open AccessNormal inferior vena cava: caliber changes observed by dynamic ultrasound
Author(s) -
E G Grant,
F Rendano,
Erkan Sevinç,
Jens Gammelgaard,
Hans Henrik Holm,
S Grønvall
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
american journal of roentgenology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 196
eISSN - 1546-3141
pISSN - 0361-803X
DOI - 10.2214/ajr.135.2.335
Subject(s) - medicine , caliber , inferior vena cava , expiration , valsalva maneuver , distension , ultrasound , vena cava , anatomy , radiology , blood pressure , respiratory system , materials science , metallurgy
A review of the literature revealed conflicting reports on the physiologic variations of the caliber of the normal inferior vena cava as seen by sonography. In this study, 25 normal volunteers were examined using dynamic scanning, and the upper parts of their inferior vena cavas were observed for changes during various phases of respiration as well a Valsalva maneuver. Optimum distension and, therefore, optimum visualization of the inferior vena cava were achieved after simple breath holding or at end expiration. Inspiration and Valsalva maneuver decreased the size of this vessel in most subjects, making if difficult to see.