Can hypotension after spinal anesthesia in hypertensive patients be predicted with the inferior vena cava collapsibility index?

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of Vena Cava Inferior Collapsibility Index (VCI-CI) in estimating hypotension following spinal anesthesia in patients diagnosed with hypertension. Methods: The study was conducted at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Hospital on patients scheduled for elective or emergency surgery in the supine position under spinal anesthesia. Prior to the procedure, each patient's IVC-CI was measured using ultrasonography. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored and recorded for 30 minutes after the administration of spinal anesthesia. Based on the occurrence of hypotension, patients were divided into two groups: those who developed hypotension (Group 2) and those who did not (Group 1). Results: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The average collapsibility index in Group 1 was 29.3 ± 14.9, while in Group 2 it was 42.4 ± 13.7. The difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (p=0.006). Conclusion: Vena Cava Inferior Collapsibility Index (VCI-CI) is a non-invasive parameter that can be easily assessed via ultrasonography and provides valuable information regarding intravascular volume status. The findings of this study suggest that VCI-CI is an effective predictor of hypotension following spinal anesthesia and may assist in the early identification of hemodynamic instability. A significantly higher incidence of hypotension was observed in patients with elevated VCI-CI values. Keywords: Spinal anesthesia, Hypertensive patient, Hypotension, Collapsibility index, Inferior Vena Cava