Hypovolemia

Tips If hypovolemia is suspected, a focused ultrasound examination can provide essential information. Combining different cardiac views and assessing the inferior vena cava (IVC), you can diagnose hypovolemia and guide volume resuscitation efforts. A reduced IVC diameter with significant collapse during inspiration is suggestive of hypovolemia, while a hyperdynamic left ventricle with a “kissing wall” appearance in systole indicates severely low volume. The goal of volume assessment is to determine whether the patient will benefit from additional volume administration, vasopressor support, or, in some cases, volume removal. IVC and left ventricular assessments can help balance intravascular volume, reducing the risk of either overload or depletion.

Below is a collection of ultrasound clips showing signs of hypovolemia: These clips demonstrate the typical ultrasound findings in patients with hypovolemia, including a reduced IVC diameter with significant inspiratory collapse and a hyperdynamic left ventricle with a low volume in both diastole and systole. The “kissing walls” phenomenon of the left ventricle is also highlighted, indicating severe hypovolemia.