POCUS measure of JVP predicts elevated CVP in heart failure

(HealthDay)—For patients undergoing right heart catheterization, point-of-care ultrasonography assessment of the jugular venous pressure (JVP) height can accurately predict elevated central venous pressure (CVP), according to a study published online Dec. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Libo Wang, M.D., from the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, and colleagues conducted a prospective observational study at two U.S. academic hospitals involving adults undergoing right heart catheterization between Feb. 5, 2019, and March 1, 2021. The accuracy of quantitative and qualitative point-of-care ultrasonography assessment of JVP was validated for prediction of elevated CVP. The JVP height was estimated by a handheld ultrasound device (uJVP).

The researchers found that the uJVP in a reclined position accurately predicted elevated right atrial pressure (RAP; >10 mm Hg) in 100 participants undergoing right heart catheterization for heart failure indications, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84. The specificity of a positive uJVP in the upright position for predicting elevated RAP was 94.6 percent.

"Although not a replacement for physical examination, formal echocardiography, or invasive hemodynamics, the uJVP demonstrates accuracy and reproducibility in evaluation of central venous congestion," the authors write.

Funds from the American College of Cardiology and AstraZeneca partnership program were used to purchase some of the Butterfly IQ devices and subscription used for this study

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