Evaluation of the Variation of the Sub-pulmonary Velocity-time Integral to Predict Fluid Responsiveness

Fluid administration is the first-line treatment in hypovolemic states in critically ill patients. Prediction of fluid responsiveness is possible with echocardiography by assessing the variation of the sub-aortic velocity-time integral (AoVTI) during a passive leg raising test (PLR) or Mini-fluid challenge. However, VTI-Ao measurement is not feasible in all patients due to poor echogenicity. Validation of new fluid-responsiveness indices may facilitate the evaluation in this patient population. Among the available indices, variation of the sub-pulmonary VTI is a potential criterion.