Pre-op ultrasound of the IVC and aorta to predict blood pressure drops after anesthesia

Preoperative Evaluation of IVC Collapsibility Index and Caval Aorta Index for Prediction of Hypotension After Induction of General Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy Surgeries

Observational Ain Shams University · NCT07399093

We will see if simple pre-op ultrasound measurements of the IVC collapsibility and the caval–aorta index can predict which adults having elective craniotomy will have a drop in blood pressure when general anesthesia is started.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT07399093 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will enroll adults (18–40 years, ASA I–II, BMI <40) scheduled for elective craniotomy at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Investigators will perform bedside ultrasound before induction to measure inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) and the caval–aorta index, with repeat measurements to test repeatability and reproducibility. Blood pressure and hemodynamic data will be recorded after induction to document hypotension using predefined criteria. The study will compare the ultrasound indices to post‑induction blood pressure changes to determine their predictive accuracy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 who are ASA I–II, BMI under 40, fasted per guidelines, and scheduled for elective craniotomy are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with existing cardiac disease or hypertension, those taking blood‑pressure–altering medications, pregnant patients, emergency surgery cases, or those outside the age/BMI criteria are unlikely to benefit from these specific findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could use a quick bedside ultrasound to identify patients at higher risk of post‑induction hypotension and tailor fluids or medications to reduce that risk.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies and guideline statements support IVCCI as a noninvasive marker of volume status, but results have been mixed across different populations so its ability to predict post‑induction hypotension is not yet settled.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age from 18 to 40 years.
* Both sexes.
* Body Mass Index\< 40 kg/m².
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II.
* Fasted according to the ASA guidelines: 2 hours for clear fluids, 6 hours after light meal, 8 hours after a full meal with high calorie or fat content.
* Scheduled for elective craniotomy surgeries before induction of general anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or recent pregnancy (within 3 months).
* Pre-existing cardiac disease or hypertension.
* On medications affecting blood pressure \[Beta-blockers (BBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs)\] .
* Refusing to undergo the study.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Inferior Vena CavaCollapsibility IndexCaval Aorta IndexInductionGeneral AnesthesiaCraniotomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.