Inferior vena cava ultrasonography in the assessment of intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness in the emergency department and intensive care unit: A critical analysis review

Rapid evaluation of intravascular volume status is vital; either excessive or limited fluid administration may result in adverse patient outcomes. In this narrative review, critical analysis of pertinent diagnostic accuracy studies is developed to delineate the role of inferior vena cava ultrasound measurements in the assessment of both intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness in the emergency department and intensive care unit. In addition, limitations, and technical considerations of inferior vena cava ultrasound measurements as well as directions for future research are thoroughly discussed. Optimization of fluid status is of vital importance in critically ill patients. Ultrasound of inferior vena cava is a fast‐paced and easily obtainable method for the assessment of fluid resuscitation in the emergency department and the intensive care unit. This non‐invasive method through instantaneous diagnose, seems to be a dynamic solution to an array of clinical questions.