Background Fluid administration has traditionally focused on preload responsiveness (PR). However, preventing fluid intolerance, particularly due to systemic venous congestion (VC), is equally important. This study evaluated the incidence and predictability of VC following a 7 ml/kg crystalloid infusion in fluid-tolerant preload-responders and its association with adverse outcomes. Methods This single-center, prospective, observational study (May 2023–July 2024) included 40 consecutive patients who were mechanically ventilated within 6 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission after elective open-heart surgery and had acute circulatory failure. Patients were eligible if they were both fluid-tolerant and preload-responsive. PR was defined as a ≥ 12% increase in left-ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI) 1 min after a passive leg raising (PLR) test. VC was defined by a portal vein pulsatility index (PVPI) ≥ 50%. Patients received a 7 ml/kg Ringer’s Lactate infusion o

Background Fluid administration has traditionally focused on preload responsiveness (PR). However, preventing fluid intolerance, particularly due to systemic venous congestion (VC), is equally important. This study evaluated the incidence and predictability of VC following a 7 ml/kg crystalloid infusion in fluid-tolerant preload-responders and its association with adverse outcomes. Methods This single-center, prospective, observational study (May 2023–July 2024) included 40 consecutive patients who were mechanically ventilated within 6 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission after elective open-heart surgery and had acute circulatory failure. Patients were eligible if they were both fluid-tolerant and preload-responsive. PR was defined as a ≥ 12% increase in left-ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI) 1 min after a passive leg raising (PLR) test. VC was defined by a portal vein pulsatility index (PVPI) ≥ 50%. Patients received a 7 ml/kg Ringer’s Lactate infusion o