Sonographic evaluation of internal jugular vein diameter and cross-sectional area measurements in correlation with left ventricular end diastolic area as a tool for perioperative assessment of volume status in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the ultrasound estimation of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and diameter of internal jugular vein (IJV) with left ventricular end diastolic area (LVEDA) for the assessment of intravascular volume in pediatric patients during cardiac surgery. Patients and Methods: The CSA and diameter of the left IJV were defined, using ultrasound machine, and compared with LVEDA, estimated by transesophageal echo, in four times intervals (immediately after induction [T1], before the start of cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB] [T2], immediately after weaning of CPB [T3], and at the end of surgery before transfer to the Intensive Care Unit [T4]) as a tool for intravascular volume assessment in 16 pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Results: There was a poor correlation between IJV CSA and diameter with LVEDA. r values were 0.158, 0.265, 0.449, and 0.201 at the four time intervals (T1, T2, T3, and T4), respectively. Conclusion: Estimation of the CSA and diameter of the left IJV using ultrasound is not reliable and cannot be used alone to decide further management.