Title : Ultrasonic mean cut off values of the inferior vena cava (IVC) Diameter in some body adipocities

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 body mass indexes (BMI) and Body Shape Indexes (ABSI).Knowledge of these variations is useful in precision diagnoses of CHF by imaging scientist.

Aim: The study aimed to determining the ultrasonic mean diameter of the IVC among the various BMI/ABSI of inhabitants of Azare, Bauchi State-Nigeria.

Methods: Two hundred physically healthy adult subjects of both sexes were classified into under; normal, over and obese weights using their BMIs and ABSIs after random selection following their informed consent 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. This longitudinal axis was seen clearly below the xiphoid process with a branch of the hepatic vein draining into it. The maximum IVC diameter was measured from the sub costal view using the electronic caliper of the scan machine.

Results: It was observed that, the mean diameter of the IVC in underweight normal weight, overweight and obese individuals along with their corresponding ABSI by BMI were 1.1480, 1.346, 1.3062 and 1.4475(cm) respectively, with the under weights significantly decreased compared with the normal and obese weights (P value ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the normal cutoff values for indicating a dilated IVC among the populace has been established.

Keywords: Ultrasonic, IVC Diameter, Body Adiposities, cutoff values.

Dr. Yusuf, M. Kabiru is a Medical Scientist specialized in Ultra-Sonography and he holds a PhD in Human Anatomy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Dr. Yusuf has worked with Ahmadu Bello University, Achievers University, Bauchi State University, Federal University of Health Sciences, Confluence University of Science and Technology and University of Ilorin, all in Nigeria. He has published well on cardiovascular studies. He is currently a research fellow, imaging Anatomy unit, University of  Ilorin,  Ilorin, Nigeria