The Role of Carotid Ultrasound in Fluid Responsiveness

Assessing the volume status, Starling curve dynamics and prediction of fluid responsiveness are challenging goals given the multitude of variables that can influence these concepts. Authors in this issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of carotid ultrasound as a tool to predict fluid responsiveness in ventilated patients. They specifically analyzed the change in carotid doppler peak velocity in a total of 648 patients across 13 clinical studies. Fluid responsiveness was observed with carotid ultrasound in 58% of cases yielding a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.84) and a specificity 0.85 (95% CI 0.76-0.90). A visual summary of their review is presented in this infographic, though the reader is strongly encouraged to review the cited article for a more thorough understanding of the illustrated concepts.