Central venous pressure from common iliac vein reflects right atrial pressure.

PURPOSE

To determine whether central venous pressure at the common iliac vein reflects right atrial pressure in adult patients.

METHODS

In this prospective, non-blinded study 26 mechanically-ventilated adult patients were studied. Simultaneous pressure readings were obtained from the right atrium (TCVP) and the common iliac vein (ACVP).

RESULTS

There was a correlation between TCVP and ACVP (r = 0.987; P < 0.0001). The mean difference between TCVP and ACVP was 0.93 mm Hg. And the limits of agreement were: -1.93 to 1.77 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION

Venous pressure recorded from the common iliac vein reflects that in the right atrium. Adopting a femoral route for central venous pressure measurement may avoid some of the complications associated with the subclavian route.