Role of inferior vena cava ultrasound in diagnosis of shock in patients with trauma

Background Hemorrhage is responsible for more than 35% of prehospital deaths. Hemorrhagic shock is the leading etiology in most cases. Objective The aim was to assess the reliability of inferior vena cave (IVC) sonographic parameters in diagnosis and evaluation of shock in patients with trauma. Patients and methods This diagnostic cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 traumatized patients with evident clinical picture of shock. Traumatized patients aged 18 years and older of both sexes were included. Patients who developed cardiopulmonary arrest or with stab wound around the epigastrium were excluded. Results The mean age was 36.6 +/- 13.8 years. There was a statistically significance between vital signs before and after resuscitation (P<0.001). Mean IVC diameter at inspiration and expiration after resuscitation was significantly higher than those before resuscitation. Moreover, mean IVC index before resuscitation was significantly higher than that after resuscitation (P>0.01). Conclusion Sonographic IVC parameters are feasible, easy, and noninvasive measures to assess hypovolemia in shocked patients.