Vascular Pedicle Width Research Articles

Chest X-ray Findings and Prognostic Factors in Survival Analysis in Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to analyze survival in peritoneal and hemodialysis patients using chest radiography and biochemical parameters, determine common dialysis etiologies and causes of death, reveal prognostic factors, and contribute to clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with data from 33 peritoneal dialysis and 37 hemodialysis patients collected between October 2018 and February 2020. Survival and mortality were retrospectively tracked over 70 months (October 2018-June 2024). Chest X-ray measurements (cardiothoracic index, pulmonary vascular pedicle width, right pulmonary artery diameter, diaphragmatic height) and biochemical parameters (urea, albumin, creatinine, parathormone, ferritin, hemoglobin, arterial blood gas, potassium) were analyzed for their impact on survival. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Bayesian analysis, McNemar test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox regression, Bayesian correlation test, linear regression analysis (scatter plot), and ROC analysis. SPSS 20.0 was used for data analysis, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and urogenital disorders were the main dialysis etiologies. Peritonitis (38.5%) and cardiovascular diseases (47.4%) were the leading causes of death in peritoneal and hemodialysis patients, respectively. Significant chest X-ray differences included pulmonary vascular pedicle width and pulmonary artery diameter in hemodialysis and diaphragm height in peritoneal dialysis. Kaplan-Meier showed no survival difference between methods. Cox regression identified age, intact parathormone levels, iPTH/PVPW ratio, and clinical status as survival and mortality factors. The iPTH/PVPW ratio cut-off for mortality prediction was ≤6.8. Conclusions: Age, intact parathormone levels, pulmonary vascular pedicle width, and clinical status significantly impact survival in dialysis patients. Management of hypertension and diabetes, management and follow-up of urogenital disorders, infection control, patient education, and regular cardiovascular check-ups may improve survival rates. Additionally, the iPTH/PVPW ratio can predict mortality risk.

Ratio of Vascular Pedicle Width and Thoracic Diameter to Differentiate Cardiogenic and Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Background: Excess intravascular volume evaluation is essential in the intensive care unit (ICU); however, clinical information to differentiate cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema has been proven ineffective. Thus, this study aimed to distinguish cardiogenic from non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema using the ratio of vascular pedicle width (VPW) to thoracic diameter (VPTR). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted based on secondary data from chest radiographs of 100 patients with clinical symptoms of pulmonary edema in the ICU from January 2013 to December 2015. Cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema were distinguished using VPW and cardiothoracic ratio measurements (CTR). VPTR was measured to differentiate between the two types of pulmonary edema, and the cut-off value was obtained using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: This study revealed a prevalence of 21% and 79% for cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, respectively. A VPTR cut-off value of 25.1% with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 86%, may distinguish cardiogenic from non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Conclusions: VPTR is an alternative method to differentiate between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and this ratio measurement is useful in cases where radiograph films are not standardized.

Prediction of hemodynamic tolerance of intermittent hemodialysis in critically ill patients: a cohort study

The evaluation and management of fluid balance are key challenges when caring for critically ill patients requiring renal replacement therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of clinical judgment and other variables to predict the occurrence of hypotension during intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in critically ill patients. This was a prospective, observational, single-center study involving critically ill patients undergoing IHD. The clinical judgment of hypervolemia was determined by the managing nephrologists and critical care physicians in charge of the patients on the basis of the clinical data used to calculate the ultrafiltration volume and rate for each dialysis treatment. Seventy-nine (31.9%) patients presented with hypotension during IHD. Patients were perceived as being hypervolemic in 109 (43.9%) of the cases by nephrologists and in 107 (43.1%) by intensivists. The agreement between nephrologists and intensivists was weak (kappa = 0.561). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.84; P < 0.0001), and a cutoff value of 70 mm for the vascular pedicle width (VPW) had the highest accuracy for the prediction of the absence of hypotension. The clinical judgment of hypervolemia did not predict hypotension during IHD. The high predictive ability of the VPW may assist clinicians with critical thinking.

P1076HEMODYNAMIC TOLERANCE TO INTERMITTENT DIALYSIS IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS: THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT OF HIPERVOLEMIA IS ABLE TO PREDICATIT?

Abstract Background and Aims Evaluation and management of fluid balance are a key challenge in caring for the critically ill requiring renal replacement therapy. As intradialytic hypotension is a common complication and can be associated ultrafiltration rate. Usually the nephrologist and critical care physician have relied in their subjective clinical judgment and clinical data to calculate ultrafiltration. The aim of this study was to assess the prediction of clinical judgment of fluid overload and other clinical and dialysis data as predictors of hemodynamic tolerance to intermittent dialysis. Method This prospective observational single-center study was performed in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury undergoing intermittent hemodialysis. Before hemodialysis, clinical judgement of Hypervolemia from nephrologists and intensivists were assessed and posterior-anterior views of chest-X-rays done within three hour before of beginning of dialysis were collected for measurement of vascular pedicle width (VPW). Factors predicting intradialytic hypotension were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results 248 AKI patients requiring intermittent dialysis were considered eligible. The clinician judgement of hypervolemia was not different between hypotensive and non hypotensive sessions. Multiple logistic regression showed that the size of VPW was independently associated with the development of hypotension during IHD session. A VPW value of &amp;gt; 70 mm had an 86.1 % sensitivity, 55 % specificity for identifying non hypotensive sessions with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.81, 95 % CI 0.75–0.84, p &amp;lt; 0.001. Conclusion Clinical judgment of hypervolemia and other clinical and demographic variables that are used by nephrologists and critical care physicians at bedside did not predict hypotensive hemodialysis sessions. The high predictive ability of VPW measurement can help physicians to avoid inductive and deductive thinking and may assist critical thinking.

Factors associated to vascular pedicle width in ARDS

Introduction: In previous studies, vascular pedicle width (VPW) was the best radiographic sign of intravascular volume status in critically ill patients and may enhance implementation and acceptance of the conservative fluid strategy into routine clinical practice. Objective: Our aim was to find the relationship among VPW and parameters of mechanical ventilation (MV) and baseline data. The hypothesis was that pressures, tidal volume and baseline data, as age, could be related to VPW in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methodology: It was a retrospective cohort study enrolled in the Open Lung Approach trial performed in moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome recruited in São Paulo, Brazil. VPW was measured by two investigators in chestradiographs taken at diagnosis and after 24 hours of mechanical ventilation adjustments. The relationship between VPW, age, predicted body weight (PBW), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), plateau pressure and tidal volume adjusted by PBW were evaluated. Results: 26 patients were included in analysis, with a total of 52 chest radiography analyzed. There was a significant change in VPW between diagnosis and after 24hours from MV adjustments (r = 0.64, p &lt; 0.01). Age was related to VPW before and after adjustments in MV (r= 0.57, p &lt; 0.01). No correlation was found between MV parameters (PEEP, plateau pressure and tidal volume) with VPW. Conclusions: There was no correlation among pressures and tidal volume applied during MV and PDW, reinforcing thismethod as an easy, wide available and noninvasive way to estimate intravascular volume status in ARDS patients. Age was related to VPW, suggesting that the measure of VPW could be improved after correction based in this parameter.

The PCQP Score for Volume Status of Acutely Ill Patients: Integrating Vascular Pedicle Width, Caval Index, Respiratory Variability of the QRS Complex and R Wave Amplitude.

Introduction:Techniques for measuring volume status of critically ill patients include invasive, less invasive, or noninvasive ones. The present study aims to assess the accuracy of noninvasive techniques for measuring volume status of critically ill patients.Patients and Methods:A total of 111 critically ill patients admitted to the emergency department and undergoing central venous catheterization were included in the study. Five parameters were measured including vascular pedicle width (VPW), diameter of inferior vena cava, caval index, respiratory changes in QRS, and P wave amplitude. Patients with risk factors which could decrease the accuracy of central venous pressure (CVP) value were excluded from study. We compared these parameters with static CVP parameter. Finally, based on the afore-mentioned parameters, PCQP role in criteria was designed.Results:In detecting loss of circulating blood volume, area under the curve of VPW was 0.92 (90%, confidence interval [CI]: 0.85–0.99), diameter of inferior vena cava was 0.82 (90%, CI: 0.72–0.91), caval index was 0.9 (90%, CI: 0.82–0.98), and changes in QRS and P waves were 0.88 (95%, CI: 0.81–0.95) and 0.73 (95%, CI: 0.63–0.82), respectively. PCQP role in criteria was designed according to these parameters, and at its best cutoff point (score 6), VPW had a sensitivity of 97.4% (95%, CI: 84.57–99.99) and specificity of 83.6% (95%, CI: 72.65–90.86) for the detection of loss of circulating blood volume (<8 cmH2O).Conclusion:PCQP score could be a reliable and noninvasive technique for the assessment of volume status in critically ill patients.

Measurement of the vascular pedicle width predicts fluid repletion: a cross-sectional comparison with inferior vena cava ultrasound and lung comets.

BackgroundDetermination of a patient’s volume status remains challenging. Ultrasound assessments of the inferior vena cava and lung parenchyma have been shown to reflect fluid status when compared to the more traditional static and dynamic methods. Yet, resource-limited intensive care units (ICUs) may still not have access to bedside ultrasound. The vascular pedicle width (VPW) measured on chest radiographs remains underutilized for fluid assessment. In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between ultrasound assessment and vascular pedicle width and to identify a discriminant value that predicted a fluid replete state.MethodsEighty-four data points of simultaneous VPW and inferior vena cava measurements were collected on mechanically ventilated patients. VPW measurements were compared with lung comet scores, fluid balance, and a composite variable of inferior vena cava diameter greater than or equal to 2 cm and variability less than 15 %.ResultsA VPW of 64 mm accurately predicted fluid repletion with a positive predictive value equal to 88.5 % and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.843, 95 % CI 0.75–0.93, p < 0.001. VPW closely correlated with inferior vena cava diameter (Pearson’s r = 0.64, p = <0.001). Poor correlations were observed between VPW and lung comet score, Pearson’s r = 0.12, p = 0.26, fluid balance, Pearson’s r = 0.3, p = 0.058, and beta natriuretic peptide, Pearson’s r = 0.12, p = 0.26.ConclusionsThis study shows a high predictive ability of the VPW for fluid repletion, as compared to an accepted method of volume assessment. Given the relationship of fluid overload and mortality, these results may assist fluid resuscitation in resource-limited intensive care units.

Revisiting Clinical Utility of Chest Radiography and Electrocardiogram to Determine Ischemic Stroke Subtypes: Special Reference on Vascular Pedicle Width and Maximal P-Wave Duration

Backgrounds: It is often difficult to diagnose stroke subtypes at admission, particularly in sinus rhythm cases. Vascular pedicle width (VPW) on chest X-ray (CXR) and maximal P-wave duration (P-max) on electrocardiogram (ECG) are again realized as useful parameters reflecting intravascular volume and atrial conduction status, respectively. We investigated the utility of VPW and P-max as a tool for differentiating ischemic stroke subtypes. Methods: We studied 343 acute stroke patients showing sinus rhythm on admission. Dividing the patients into cardioembolic (CE) stroke (n = 57) and non-CE (n = 286) groups, we compared clinical backgrounds including VPW on CXR, and P-max in lead II and premature atrial contraction (PAC) on 12-leads ECG. Then, we investigated the independent factors for CE. Results: Independent factors associated with CE were VPW (≥59.3 mm) (p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR), 10.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.13-24.8), P-max in lead II (≥120 ms) (p < 0.001; OR, 8.61; 95% CI, 3.96-18.7), PAC (p = 0.002; OR, 7.35; 95% CI, 2.14-25.3) and D-dimer level (≥1.11 µg/ml) (p = 0.016; OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.20-5.51). Conclusions: VPW, P-max, PAC and D-dimer are useful parameters for diagnosing CE stroke in patients with sinus rhythm at admission.

Assessing fluid status with the vascular pedicle width: relationship to IVC diameter, IVC variability and lung comets

This study attempts to determine a vascular pedicle width (VPW) cutoff value that identifies a fluid replete state defined as an IVC diameter ≥2 cm and ≤15% respiratory variation.

Validation of the Vascular Pedicle width as a Diagnostic Aid in Critically Ill Patients with Pulmonary Oedema by Novice Non-Radiology Physicians-in-Training

Assessing intravascular volume status in the critically ill patient remains a challenge for intensivists, and the accuracy of such estimation based on bedside examination alone is reported to be nearly a coin toss. In this retrospective study we sought to validate a previously recommended chest radiographic vascular pedicle width (VPW) ≥70 mm for identifying cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (CPO). We additionally assessed whether novice physicians-in-training can reliably measure the VPW. The study included intensive care patients with an existing pulmonary artery catheter. Three independent raters performed measurements of VPW from chest radiographs obtained within three hours of pulmonary artery occlusion pressure measurements. In 80 patients enrolled, a VPW cut-off of ≥70 mm had a 55% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 81% positive predictive value, 69% negative predictive value and 73% accuracy for identifying patients with CPO. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.84) for VPW in discriminating CPO from non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Kappa statistics for inter-rater reliability showed Kappa=0.41, 0.42 and 0.85 for each pair of the three raters. In conclusion, the previously accepted VPW cut-off of ≥70 mm is reasonably accurate in discriminating CPO from non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. VPW can be measured by physicians-in-training with a comparable performance to previous studies utilising expert radiologists.

Measurements on the routine chest radiograph as prognostic markers in Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients

Fluid overload is a common problem in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) and vascular pedicle width (VPW) in routine chest radiograph are useful indicators of intravascular volume status and may represent important prognostic factors of PD patients. We measured VPW and CTR in 286 unselected prevalent PD patients. VPW was further adjusted for the thoracic diameter (VPWR). One-year actuarial survival, technique survival, and duration of hospitalization were analyzed. The mean values of VPW, CTR, VPWR were 47.31 ± 4.73 mm, 0.542 ± 0.074, 0.170 ± 0.024, respectively. VPW correlated with age (r = 0.143; p = 0.016), body weight (r = 0.371; p < 0.001), body height (r = 0.271; p < 0.001), and Charlson's index score (r = 0.153; p = 0.01). One-year patient survival was 87.8%, and technique survival was 82.2%. None of the radiological measurements had an independent effect on one-year actuarial or technique survival by multivariate analysis. Both CTR and VPWR correlated with the duration of hospitalization (r = 0.192 and 0.186, respectively (p = 0.001 and 0.002). Multivariate regression analysis by log-linear modeling showed that independent predictors of one-year hospitalization were VPWR, serum albumin, and SGA overall score. In Chinese PD patients, VPW was significantly correlated with age, body weight, body height and Charlson's index score. VPWR was an independent predictor of the duration of hospitalization. Further studies are needed to confirm the prognostic value of these radiographic measurements in PD patients.

Vascular pedicle width in acute lung injury: correlation with intravascular pressures and ability to discriminate fluid status

IntroductionConservative fluid management in patients with acute lung injury (ALI) increases time alive and free from mechanical ventilation. Vascular pedicle width (VPW) is a non-invasive measurement of intravascular volume status. The VPW was studied in ALI patients to determine the correlation between VPW and intravascular pressure measurements and whether VPW could predict fluid status.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved 152 patients with ALI enrolled in the Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (FACTT) from five NHLBI ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Network sites. VPW and central venous pressure (CVP) or pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) from the first four study days were correlated. The relationships between VPW, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), cumulative fluid balance, and PAOP were also evaluated. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the ability of VPW to detect PAOP <8 mmHg and PAOP ≥18 mm Hg.ResultsA total of 71 and 152 patients provided 118 and 276 paired VPW/PAOP and VPW/CVP measurements, respectively. VPW correlated with PAOP (r = 0.41; P < 0.001) and less well with CVP (r = 0.21; P = 0.001). In linear regression, VPW correlated with PAOP 1.5-fold better than cumulative fluid balance and 2.5-fold better than PEEP. VPW discriminated achievement of PAOP <8 mm Hg (AUC = 0.73; P = 0.04) with VPW ≤67 mm demonstrating 71% sensitivity (95% CI 30 to 95%) and 68% specificity (95% CI 59 to 75%). For discriminating a hydrostatic component of the edema (that is, PAOP ≥18 mm Hg), VPW ≥72 mm demonstrated 61.4% sensitivity (95% CI 47 to 74%) and 61% specificity (49 to 71%) (area under the curve (AUC) 0.69; P = 0.001).ConclusionsVPW correlates with PAOP better than CVP in patients with ALI. Due to its only moderate sensitivity and specificity, the ability of VPW to discriminate fluid status in patients with acute lung injury is limited and should only be considered when intravascular pressures are unavailable.

Vascular Pedicle Width on Chest Radiograph as a Measure of Volume Overload: Meta-Analysis

IntroductionVascular pedicle width (VPW), a measurement obtained from a chest radiograph (CR), is thought to be an indicator of circulating blood volume. To date there are only a handful of studies that demonstrate a correlation between high VPW and volume overload, each utilizing different VPW values and CR techniques. Our objective was to determine a mean VPW measurement from erect and supine CRs and to determine whether VPW correlates with volume overload.MethodsMEDLINE database, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched electronically for relevant articles. References from the original and review publications selected electronically were manually searched for additional relevant articles. Two investigators independently reviewed relevant articles for inclusion criteria and data extraction. Mean VPW measurements from both supine and erect CRs and their correlation with volume overload were calculated.ResultsData from 8 studies with a total of 363 subjects were included, resulting in mean VPW measurements of 71 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 64.9–77.3) and 62 mm (95% CI 49.3–75.1) for supine and erect CRs, respectively. The correlation coefficients for volume overload and VPW were 0.81 (95% CI 0.74–0.86) for both CR techniques and 0.81 (95% CI 0.72–0.87) for supine CR and 0.80 (95% CI 0.69–0.87) for erect CR, respectively.ConclusionThere is a clinical and statistical correlation between VPW and volume overload. VPW may be used to evaluate the volume status of a patient regardless of the CR technique used.

50: Vascular Pedicle Width on CXR Correlates With Volume Overload: A Meta Analysis

Study ObjectivesVascular pedicle width (VPW), a measurement obtained from a chest X-ray (CXR), is thought to be an indicator of circulating blood volume. To date there are but a handful of studies that demonstrate a correlation between high VPW and volume overload, while utilizing different VPW values and CXR techniques. Objective: To determine the mean VPWs measurements from erect and supine CXRs. Secondary outcome is to determine whether VPWs measurements correlate with volume overload.MethodsMEDLINE database, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched electronically for relevant articles. References from the original and review publications selected electronically were manually searched for additional relevant articles. Two investigators independently reviewed relevant articles, for inclusion criteria and data extraction. Mean VPW measurements from both supine and erect CXRs and their correlation with volume overload were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software 2.2.ResultsData from 8 studies with a total of 363 subjects were included resulting in a mean VPW measurement of 74mm (95% CI 72.9-75.4) and 59mm (95% CI 56.6-62.6) for supine and erect CXRs, respectively. The correlation coefficient for volume overload and VPW were 0.81 (95% CI 0.74-0.86) for both CXR techniques, 0.81 (95% CI 0.72-0.87) for supine, and 0.80 (95% CI 0.69-0.87) for erect CXRs.ConclusionThere is a clinical and statistical correlation with VPW and volume overload. VPW may be used to evaluate the volume status of a patient regardless of CXR technique. Study ObjectivesVascular pedicle width (VPW), a measurement obtained from a chest X-ray (CXR), is thought to be an indicator of circulating blood volume. To date there are but a handful of studies that demonstrate a correlation between high VPW and volume overload, while utilizing different VPW values and CXR techniques. Objective: To determine the mean VPWs measurements from erect and supine CXRs. Secondary outcome is to determine whether VPWs measurements correlate with volume overload. Vascular pedicle width (VPW), a measurement obtained from a chest X-ray (CXR), is thought to be an indicator of circulating blood volume. To date there are but a handful of studies that demonstrate a correlation between high VPW and volume overload, while utilizing different VPW values and CXR techniques. Objective: To determine the mean VPWs measurements from erect and supine CXRs. Secondary outcome is to determine whether VPWs measurements correlate with volume overload. MethodsMEDLINE database, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched electronically for relevant articles. References from the original and review publications selected electronically were manually searched for additional relevant articles. Two investigators independently reviewed relevant articles, for inclusion criteria and data extraction. Mean VPW measurements from both supine and erect CXRs and their correlation with volume overload were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software 2.2. MEDLINE database, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched electronically for relevant articles. References from the original and review publications selected electronically were manually searched for additional relevant articles. Two investigators independently reviewed relevant articles, for inclusion criteria and data extraction. Mean VPW measurements from both supine and erect CXRs and their correlation with volume overload were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software 2.2. ResultsData from 8 studies with a total of 363 subjects were included resulting in a mean VPW measurement of 74mm (95% CI 72.9-75.4) and 59mm (95% CI 56.6-62.6) for supine and erect CXRs, respectively. The correlation coefficient for volume overload and VPW were 0.81 (95% CI 0.74-0.86) for both CXR techniques, 0.81 (95% CI 0.72-0.87) for supine, and 0.80 (95% CI 0.69-0.87) for erect CXRs. Data from 8 studies with a total of 363 subjects were included resulting in a mean VPW measurement of 74mm (95% CI 72.9-75.4) and 59mm (95% CI 56.6-62.6) for supine and erect CXRs, respectively. The correlation coefficient for volume overload and VPW were 0.81 (95% CI 0.74-0.86) for both CXR techniques, 0.81 (95% CI 0.72-0.87) for supine, and 0.80 (95% CI 0.69-0.87) for erect CXRs. ConclusionThere is a clinical and statistical correlation with VPW and volume overload. VPW may be used to evaluate the volume status of a patient regardless of CXR technique. There is a clinical and statistical correlation with VPW and volume overload. VPW may be used to evaluate the volume status of a patient regardless of CXR technique.

Use of BNP and Bioimpedance to Drive Therapy in Heart Failure Patients

The aim of the study was to verify whether the bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) could be a valid methodology to assess the fluid overload, whether there was a correlation between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the fluid overload detected by BIVA, and whether this technique could be a valid guide in the management of the therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). A total of 51 patients arriving to the emergency department of the University Hospital Sant'Andrea (Rome, Italy) from December 2008 to April 2009 were enrolled. Hydration state, BNP, and caval index were evaluated at admission in the emergency department, at 24 and 72 hours, and at discharge. Vascular pedicle width was evaluated at admission and at discharge. BIVA values were correlated with BNP levels. A follow-up by phone at 3 months was performed. ADHF patients showed higher values of hydration state compared with controls. In ADHF patients, the difference between t 0 and t 72 BIVA mean values (P<.001) and between t 0 and discharge BIVA mean value (P<.0001) was statistically significant. Vascular pedicle width in ADHF patients showed a statistically significant difference (P<.0004) in compared with vascular pedicle width in controls.

Arterial Pulse Wave Velocity and Peritoneal Transport Characteristics Independently Predict Hospitalization in Chinese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of mortality in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Increased arterial stiffness may be related to a high peritoneal permeability resulting in fluid overload in PD patients. We studied the relations between arterial stiffness, peritoneal transport, and radiographic parameters of systemic fluid overload in a cohort of Chinese PD patients. Prospective cohort study. University referral center. We studied 107 PD patients. Vascular pedicle width and cardiothoracic ratio were measured from a plain postero-anterior chest radiograph. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was determined at carotid-femoral (C-F) and carotid-radial sites. Peritoneal transport was determined by the dialysate-to-plasma ratio (D/P) of creatinine at 4 hours of dwell. Patients were followed for 9.4 +/- 4.6 months. Duration of hospitalization; actuarial and technique survival. There were no relationships between radiographic measures, arterial PWV, and D/P creatinine. However, both C-F PWV and D/P creatinine were independent predictors of the number of hospitalizations for CVD. None of the parameters correlated with mortality in this study. There were no relationships between radiological parameters of fluid overload, peritoneal transport characteristics, and arterial PWV. Both C-F PWV and D/P creatinine were independent predictors of the number of hospitalizations for CVD. Our result suggests that arterial stiffness and high peritoneal transport each contribute to the development of CVD in this group of patients.

Longitudinal Changes of Cardiothoracic Ratio and Vascular Pedicle Width as Predictors of Volume Status during One Year in Chinese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background: Volume overload is an important contributing factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Vascular pedicle width (VPW) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) in routine chest radiograph are indicators of intravascular volume. Longitudinal changes of VPW and CTR may be important prognostic factors of PD patients. Method: We studied 212 PD patients. Longitudinal changes in VPW (ΔVPW) and CTR (ΔCTR) were calculated. The relationship between radiologic measurements and clinical outcome was analyzed. Results: During the 12 months prior to enrollment, VPW rose from 53.35 ± 5.66 to 55.40 ± 6.30 mm (p < 0.001) and CTR rose from 53.3 ± 7.1 to 56.0 ± 7.8% (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables by Cox regression model, ΔCTR is an independent predictor of hospitalization-free survival; 1% increase in CTR confers 2.9% higher risk of hospitalization (95% confidence interval 0.2–5.7%, p = 0.034). None of the radiologic measurements correlated with actuarial patient survival. Conclusions: In chronic PD patients, ΔCTR is an independent predictor of hospitalization-free survival. This simple radiological parameter may serve as an important parameter for the risk stratification of PD patients.

REAPPRAISING THE THORACIC VASCULAR PEDICLE WIDTH-CORRELATES ON COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

PURPOSE: Vascular pedicle width has been shown to be a good indicator of intravascular volume status in critically ill patients. Which of the anatomic structures comprising the vascular pedicle accounts for this correlation is uncertain. We conducted this study 1) to distinguish the individual components of the vascular pedicle using CT scanning and 2) to evaluate if their dimensions correlated with the overall vascular pedicle width and central venous pressure.

Accuracy of chest radiographs in the emergency diagnosis of heart failure

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of chest radiographic findings of heart failure (HF) in current patients presenting with dyspnea in the emergency department. In a secondary analysis of the BASEL study, initial chest radiographs of 277 patients with acute dyspnea were evaluated by two radiologists blinded to the adjudicated diagnosis (56% had the final diagnosis of HF). Predefined radiographic criteria of HF were used. Statistical analysis included receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and calculation of a logistic regression model including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. The reader's overall impression showed the highest area under the ROC curve for the diagnosis of HF in both supine and erect patient positions (0.855 and 0.857). Among individual radiographic findings, peribronchial cuffing in the supine position (0.829) showed the highest accuracies. The lowest accuracy was found for the vascular pedicle width in the supine position (0.461). Logistic regression analysis showed no significant differences between the reader's overall impression, the radiographic model, and BNP testing. In our study, the combination of radiographic features provided valuable information and was of comparable accuracy as BNP-testing for the diagnosis of HF.

Determination of intravascular volume status in critically ill patients using portable chest X-rays: Measurement of the vascular pedicle width

Background and Aims: Traditionally, invasive hemodynamic pressure measurements have been used to assess the volume status in critically ill patients. The vascular pedicle, as seen on chest radiographs, is the mediastinal silhouette of the great vessels. It is measured by drawing a perpendicular line from the point at which the left subclavian artery emerges from the aortic arch and measured across to the point at which the superior vena cava crosses the right main stem bronchus. We carried out this study to establish a correlation between the width of the vascular pedicle as seen on chest radiographs and daily fluid balance or pulmonary capillary occlusion pressure in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients. Materials and Methods: In this prospective clinical study, 50 consecutive adult patients in a tertiary care, multidisciplinary intensive care unit underwent simultaneous measurements of the width of the vascular pedicle as seen on standardized, portable chest radiographs in the supine position and pulmonary capillary occlusion pressure measurements. Twenty-four hour fluid balance calculations were also recorded for each patient. Results: Vascular pedicle width measurements correlated closely with positive fluid balance, r = + 0.88, P 0.000. A Receiver Operating Characteristic curve demonstrated that a vascular pedicle width of 86.5 mm had a 100% sensitivity and an 80% specificity (area under the curve 0.823, 95% confidence intervals 0.714-0.932) for predicting fluid overload equal to and greater than 1200 ml. The correlation between pulmonary capillary occlusion pressures and width of the vascular pedicle was poor, r = 0.41, P 0.02. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the vascular pedicle width on daily chest radiographs can be used to assess hypervolemia in the intensive care unit. Serial changes in the pedicle width could possibly be used to increase the accuracy of predictions.