Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
06:59

Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava

Published on: January 13, 2023

Inferior Vena Cava collapsibility and heart failure signs and symptoms: new insights about possible links

Renato De Vecchis1, Antonio Ciccarelli, Carmelina Ariano

  • 1Cardiology Unit, Presidio Sanitario Intermedio Elena d Aosta. r.de.vecchis@alice.it

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|May 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

In chronic heart failure, a low inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) did not reliably predict congestion. However, IVCCI values ≤ 15% were consistently linked to decompensated heart failure signs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Ultrasound measurement of inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) is explored for assessing hemodynamic congestion in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.
  • Accurate assessment of congestion is crucial for managing CHF and preventing adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To correlate physical examination findings with IVCCI measurements in CHF patients.
  • To determine if baseline IVCCI values can predict persistent or worsening congestion after optimized oral therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 54 CHF patients (NYHA class III).
  • Patients categorized into three groups based on baseline IVCCI: ≤ 15%, 16-40%, and >40%.
  • Clinical congestion criteria compared across groups; Cox multivariate analysis used.

Main Results:

  • Jugular venous distension and rales were multivariate predictors of high congestion score.
  • A baseline IVCCI ≤ 15% was always associated with high congestion at follow-up.
  • However, IVCCI ≤ 15% did not reliably predict high congestion at the second visit.

Conclusions:

  • Low IVCCI values (≤ 15%) do not reliably predict high congestion scores in CHF patients.
  • Despite this, IVCCI ≤ 15% was consistently associated with signs of both right and left-sided CHF decompensation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients08:45

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients

Published on: April 18, 2025

Biventricular Assessment of Cardiac Function and Pressure-Volume Loops by Closed-Chest Catheterization in Mice08:21

Biventricular Assessment of Cardiac Function and Pressure-Volume Loops by Closed-Chest Catheterization in Mice

Published on: June 15, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
Portal Hypertension01:22

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...