A non invasive ultrasound technique has been proposed as a mean of detection of early fibrosis by measuring changes in the diameter of the hepatic inferior vena cava (IVC).

Objectives: To determine the mean diameter of hepatic portion of inferior vena cava and mean reduction in its diameter by inspiration in normal and cirrhotic patients using USG.

Study Design: Case control study.

Methodology: This study (n=60) was conducted after ethical review committee’s (ERC) approval from April-October 2018 at Department of Radiology, Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Patients with stage 5 and 6 of cirrhosis were taken as cases. Controls had sonographically normal livers. The maximal diameter of IVC was measured during normal breathing first followed by a deep breath.

Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed by SPSS, v-20. Parameters were measured by applying t-test with p≤0.05 as significant.

Results: The IVC diameter during deep inspiration was 1.217±0.168 cm and 1.711±0.422 cm among controls and cirrhotic cases respectively (p= 0.00). The mean IVC diameter decrease was 1.02±0.25 cm and 0.03±0.02 cm by inspiration among controls and cases respectively having statistically significant p-value (<0.05).

Conclusion: We concluded that stiffness of the hepatic parenchyma have caused the physiological changes in the diameter of IVC enhanced by deep respiration. Thus, it can be used as a tool for evaluation of cirrhotic patients.

Key Words: Cirrhosis, Hepatic Portion of Inferior Vena Cava, Liver and Sonography.