Prognostic implications of echocardiographic measures of left and right atrial pressures on survival in patients with end stage renal disease.

Mitral E/e' ratio and inferior vena caval size are vastly more sensitive than physical examination for recognition of elevated atrial pressures and are strong predictors of survival in ESRD patients. Limited echocardiographic examination may have a role in ESRD patients undergoing dialysis to help achieve euvolemic status.