Relation between Inferior Vena Cava diameter and occurrence of hypotension, severity of solid abdominal organ injury and hemoperitoneum in cases of blunt trauma of abdomen.

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

Dr Prajit J Desai, Dr Makarand Patwardhan

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of the "flattened vena cava" sign on

abdominal contrast enhanced ct scans in venous phase imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scan abdomen of 50 patients imaged with history of blunt trauma to abdomen

were retrospectively reviewed for a flat cava sign. The medical records of the patients with a flattened cava sign––

defined as a maximal transverse–to–anteroposterior ratio of 3:1 or greater were reviewed for evidence of low blood

pressure or hypovolemia.

RESULTS: Out of total 50 patients evaluated 30 had flattened IVC (FIVC). Of these 30 patients all had higher

incidence of hypotension, higher grade of solid organ injury, hemoperitoneum.

CONCLUSION: Of the 50 inpatients, 60% had flattened vena cava sign on abdominal CT scans. The majority of

patients with flattened vena cava sign had increased chance of occurrence of hypotension or evidence of

hypovolemia after trauma.