Largest vein carrying deoxygenated blood from lower body to right atrium
Expansion
Inferior Vena Cava
Purpose
Assess for thrombosis, compression, and size (reflects right atrial pressure)
Clinical Context
Inferior vena cava: retroperitoneal vein running to right of aorta. Normal diameter less than 2.5 centimetres with respiratory variation. Greater than 3 centimetres equals increased central venous pressure; thrombus equals deep vein pathology.
Related Terms
- Superior vena cava
- Vascular anatomy
Key Points
- Inferior vena cava diameter greater than 3 centimetres equals elevated central venous pressure; collapse less than 3 centimetres suggests hypovolaemia