Dependent layering of venous refluxed contrast: A sign of critically low cardiac output

Ian W. Sullivan, DO; Partha Hota, DO; Farouk Dako, MD; Shqiponja Hajdinaj, DO; Blachy Davila, MD

Radiology Case Reports (Feb 2019)

Dependent layering of venous refluxed contrast: A sign of critically low cardiac output

Ian W. Sullivan, DO,
Partha Hota, DO,
Farouk Dako, MD,
Shqiponja Hajdinaj, DO,
Blachy Davila, MD

Affiliations

Ian W. Sullivan, DO: Corresponding author.; Department of Radiology, Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
Partha Hota, DO: Department of Radiology, Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
Farouk Dako, MD: Department of Radiology, Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
Shqiponja Hajdinaj, DO: Department of Radiology, Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
Blachy Davila, MD: Department of Radiology, Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14, no. 2
pp. 230 – 234

Abstract

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Mortality associated with cardiogenic shock can reach 80%. Although most often diagnosed clinically, the hemodynamics of cardiogenic shock may manifest on contrast-enhanced computed tomography as dependent layering of contrast within the inferior vena cava (IVC), a finding referred to as the “IVC level sign.” Herein we present 2 cases of the IVC level sign. Swift recognition of the IVC level sign and awareness of its dire prognostic implications is essential for achieving the best patient outcomes. Keywords: Contrast level, CT, IVC level sign

Published in Radiology Case Reports

ISSN: 1930-0433 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General): Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/radiology-case-reports

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