Simplifying the estimation of jugular venous pressure

The classic technique of estimating jugular venous pressure, with variable inclination of the upper body and the sternal angle as the reference point, is complicated and little used in general practice. The aim of this prospective, comparative study was to assess whether estimating neck vein distension with the patient in the sitting position could be used to detecting elevated venous pressure. Patients (n = 96) who underwent right-sided cardiac catheterization or endomyocardial biopsy were evaluated. The visible height of the right internal jugular venous column above the clavicle was estimated, and the mean pressure in the right atrium or superior vena cava at cardiac catheterization was measured. Invasive venous pressure was elevated (>8 mm Hg) in 23 patients. A deep venous column visibly distended above the right clavicle in the sitting position had sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 85% to identify truly elevated venous pressure. Abdominal compression increased sensitivity to 77% but decreased specificity to 68%. In conclusion, studying the deep neck veins of a sitting patient simplifies the estimation of jugular venous pressure and has moderate to high diagnostic performance in detecting elevated central venous pressure.