Inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound is a focused sonographic assessment of the largest vein in the body, which returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium. IVC evaluation is a critical component of both point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and formal abdominal vascular sonography. IVC diameter measurement and collapsibility index are used to estimate central venous pressure and guide fluid resuscitation decisions in critical care settings. Sonographers also assess for IVC thrombus, tumor thrombus extension (particularly from renal cell carcinoma), IVC filter placement and complications, and Budd-Chiari syndrome. Normal IVC diameter and respiratory variation patterns are fundamental to sonographic assessment of volume status.
Body Location: Inferior Vena Cava
Medical Specialty: Vascular Medicine
Related Credentials: RDMS (AB), RVT, RDCS