BackgroundCentral venous pressure (CVP) and right atrial pressure (RAP) are important parameters in the complete hemodynamic assessment of a patient. Sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter is a non-invasive method of estimating these parameters, but there are limited data summarizing its diagnostic accuracy across multiple studies. We performed a comprehensive review of the existing literature to examine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of sonographic measurement of IVC diameter as a method for assessing CVP and RAP.MethodsWe performed a systematic search using PubMed of clinical studies comparing sonographic evaluation of IVC diameter and collapsibility against gold standard measurements of CVP and RAP. We included clinical studies that were performed in adults, used current imaging techniques, and were published in English.ResultsTwenty one clinical studies were identified that compared sonographic assessment of IVC diameter with CVP and RAP and met all inclusion criteria. Despite substantial heterogeneity in measurement techniques and patient populations, most studies demonstrated moderate strength correlations between measurements of IVC diameter and collapsibility and CVP or RAP, but more favorable diagnostic accuracy using pre-specified cut points. Findings were inconsistent among mechanically ventilated patients, except in the absence of positive end-expiratory pressure.ConclusionSonographic measurement of IVC diameter and collapsibility is a valid method of estimating CVP and RAP. Given the ease, safety, and availability of this non-invasive technique, broader adoption and application of this method in clinical settings is warranted.

The field of cardiology has long used wearable medical devices to monitor heart rate and rhythm. The past decade has seen the emergence of many new wearable devices, including several that have been widely adopted by both physicians and consumers. In this review, we discuss existing and forthcoming devices designed to measure activity, heart rate, heart rhythm, and thoracic fluid. We also offer several frameworks to classify and better understand wearable devices, such that we may weigh their potential benefit in improving healthcare with the many challenges that must be addressed to reap these benefits.

Transplant coronary artery disease (TCAD) remains the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation. Transplant coronary artery disease is largely an immunologic phenomenon, driven by an inflammatory milieu consisting of multiple cell types that contribute to fibromuscular and smooth muscle cell proliferation with subsequent coronary obstruction. Multiple clinical factors contribute to the development of TCAD. Coronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of TCAD. Current treatments for TCAD include pharmacotherapy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and repeat transplantation, although other novel therapies are emerging. Although percutaneous coronary intervention has generally demonstrated high procedural success rates, it has been plagued by a high incidence of in-stent restenosis. Drug-eluting stents reduce in-stent restenosis compared with bare metal stents. Repeat transplantation is the only definitive treatment. Prospective randomized trials comparing different pharmacotherapies as well as revascularization strategies are needed to identify the optimal therapy for patients who develop TCAD.

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