Ultrasound for Critical Care Physicians: Hypotension

A 68 year old man is transferred to the intensive care unit because of hypotension. An ultrasound of the heart and inferior vena cava (IVC) were performed (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Upper panel: subxiphoid view of heart. Lower panel: inferior vena cava.

What is the cause of the hypotension? (Click on the correct answer)

1. Cardiogenic shock secondary to cardiomyopathy
2. Intracardiac thrombus
3. Intravascular volume depletion
4. Massive pulmonary embolism
5. Pericardial effusion

Reference as: Mosier JM. Ultrasound for critical care physicians: hypotension. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2013;8(1):41-3. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc176-13 PDF