Questioning the Role of Carotid Artery Ultrasound in Assessing Fluid Responsiveness in Critical Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: A noninvasive and accurate method of identifying fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable patients has long been sought by physicians. Carotid ultrasound (US) is one such modality previously canvassed for this purpose. The aim of this novel systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate whether critically unwell patients who are requiring intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation (fluid responders) can be identified accurately with carotid US.

Predicting Fluid Responsiveness Using Carotid Ultrasound in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies.

Background: A noninvasive and accurate method of determining fluid responsiveness in ventilated patients would help to mitigate unnecessary fluid administration. Although carotid ultrasound has been previously studied for this purpose, several studies have recently been published. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of carotid ultrasound as a tool to predict fluid responsiveness in ventilated patients.