Systemic Venous Congestion

Abstract

Systemic venous congestion is an underappreciated component of the hemodynamic system. The clinical significance of venous congestion has been demonstrated in multiple studies and has been shown to affect multiple organ systems, both in acute and chronic disease. A POCUS evaluation designated as the VExUS (Venous Excess with UltraSound) protocol was designed to assess venous congestion using the combination of hepatic, portal, and intrarenal venous Doppler in the setting of a plethoric IVC. The method of acquiring the various Doppler patterns and the VExUS scoring system is discussed.