Inferior vena CAVA and lung ultraSound-guided therapy in acute heart failure: A randomized pilot study (CAVAL US-AHF study).

Background: The optimal assessment of systemic and lung decongestion during acute heart failure is not clearly defined. We evaluated whether inferior vena cava (IVC) and pulmonary ultrasound (CAVAL US) guided therapy is superior to standard care in reducing subclinical congestion at discharge in patients with AHF.

Methods: CAVAL US-AHF was an investigator-initiated, single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Design and rationale of the inferior vena CAVA and Lung UltraSound-guided therapy in Acute Heart Failure (CAVAL US-AHF Study): a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Between 25% and 30% of patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) are readmitted within 90 days after discharge, mostly due to persistent congestion on discharge. However, as the optimal evaluation of decongestion is not clearly defined, it is necessary to implement new tools to identify subclinical congestion to guide treatment.

Objective: To evaluate if inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (CAVAL US)-guided therapy for AHF patients reduces subclinical congestion at discharge.