Expiratory Diameter of the Inferior Vena Cava Diameter IVC Across Age Groups in CCF Subjects

Abstract

Background: Dilatation of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) is used as the ultrasonic diagnostic feature in patients suspected of congestive heart failure. The IVC diameter has being reported to vary among the various age ranges. Knowledge of these variations is useful in precision diagnoses of CHF by imaging scientists. Aim: The study aimed to determining the ultrasonic mean expiratory diameter of the IVC across the various age ranges with CCF in Azare, Bauchi State-Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and ninety-nine subjects of both sexes diagnosed with Congestive Cardiac Failure were randomly grouped into six age groups. A structured questionnaire was used to rule out those that fell within the exclusion criteria. Their informed consent was sought for abdominal ultrasound scan. The probe was placed on the mid line of the body, half-way between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus with the marker on the probe directed towards the patient`s head to obtain a longitudinal view of the IVC. The maximum IVC diameter was measured from the subcostal view using the electronic caliper of the scan machine during expiration on a B mode. The mean value of each group was obtained and analyzed statistically. Results: It was observed that, the mean expiratory diameter of the IVC across the age group (18-27, 28-37, 38-47, 48-57, 58-67 and 68-77) years were (1.89, 1.96, 1.94, 2.06, 1.91, 1.97 and 1.94) cm, respectively P-value ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: In conclusion, the normal cutoff values for indicating a dilated IVC across the different age strata in the populace has been established.