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.