The main aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and sensitivity of bedside TTE (Trans-Thoracic echocardiography) over clinical method of detecting cardiac failure and to compare the volume status by IVC pressure and by TTE to CVP measurement.

The study was conducted on 30 patients of age 20-60 years, admitted to ICU of BRD Medical College Gorakhpur presenting with respiratory distress. All patients were stabilized hemodynamically. Central venous catheterization was done and CVP monitored. Patients presenting with diagnostic dilemma for cause of dyspnea and respiratory distress were supposed to have CHF by assessing them according to Framingham’s clinical criteria of congestive heart failure. All patients underwent bedside echocardiographic examination after initial stabilization for assessment of LVEF and IVC for volume status assessment.

Echocardiography offers a rapid and noninvasive method to determine LVEF and volume status in ICU patients with accuracy of 90%. With further training assessment of LVEF using bed side echocardiography can be more accurate.

Conclusion- Out of total 30 patients assessed, 14 were supposed to have CHF and 16 were supposed to have CHF negative according to Framingham’s criteria. Echocardiography detected CHF in 12 patients successfully (true positive), while 1 patient was detected false positive. Echocardiography confirmed that 15 patients did not have CHF (true negative) and 2 patients were found to have the CHF negative who were CHF positive according to Framingham’s criteria.