Decoding VExUS: a practical guide for excelling in point-of-care ultrasound assessment of venous congestion
Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
25248987
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85209697542
Journal Title
Ultrasound Journal
Volume
16
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Ultrasound Journal Vol.16 No.1 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Assavapokee T., Rola P., Assavapokee N., Koratala A. Decoding VExUS: a practical guide for excelling in point-of-care ultrasound assessment of venous congestion. Ultrasound Journal Vol.16 No.1 (2024). doi:10.1186/s13089-024-00396-z Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/102184
Title
Decoding VExUS: a practical guide for excelling in point-of-care ultrasound assessment of venous congestion
Author(s)
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Venous congestion, often associated with elevated right atrial pressure presents a clinical challenge due to its varied manifestations and potential organ damage. Recognizing the manifestations of venous congestion through bedside physical examination or laboratory tests can be challenging. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is emerging as a valuable bedside tool for assessing venous congestion, with the Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) technique gaining prominence. VExUS facilitates non-invasive quantification of venous congestion, relying on measurements of the inferior vena cava (IVC) size and Doppler assessments of the hepatic vein (HV), portal vein (PV), and intrarenal vein, thereby providing real-time insights into hemodynamic status and guiding therapeutic interventions. The grading system outlined in VExUS aids in stratifying the severity of congestion. However, achieving proficiency in VExUS requires a comprehensive understanding of Doppler techniques and their clinical applications. This review article provides practical guidance on performing VExUS, encompassing equipment requirements, preparation, machine settings, and examination techniques for assessing the inferior vena cava (IVC), hepatic vein (HV), portal vein (PV), and intrarenal vein. Potential pitfalls and troubleshooting strategies are discussed to ensure accurate interpretation of Doppler waveforms.