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Published on: September 8, 2023
Reference values for paediatric abdominal aorta on B-mode ultrasound - an outer-to-outer methodology
1Funbell Diagnostics, Funbell Place, 8, Okusehide Street, New Agodi G.R.A., Ibadan, 200223, Oyo State, Nigeria. olutunmed@gmx.com.
Insights
This study establishes age-based reference values for pediatric aortic diameters using B-mode ultrasound. These findings are crucial for early detection of aortic disorders in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Diagnostic imaging
- Vascular ultrasonography
Background:
- Aortic disorders in children can lead to severe outcomes, including growth stunting and high fatality rates.
- Accurate measurement of aortic dimensions is essential for early diagnosis and management.
- Age-based reference values are needed for pediatric aorta assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish age-based reference values for pediatric aorta diameters.
- Utilize B-mode ultrasound with the outer-to-outer measurement technique.
- Provide a reference table for Nigerian children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric abdominal ultrasound records (2016-2019).
- Measurement of peak systolic anteroposterior aortic diameters in children aged 2 days to 17 years.
- Grouping cases into five age categories for analysis.
Main Results:
- Data from 643 children (49% female) were analyzed; 488 had complete aortic measurements.
- Mean aortic diameter ranged from 0.3 cm to 1.8 cm.
- A significant positive correlation was found between age and aortic diameters (r = 0.66–0.91).
Conclusions:
- An age-based reference table for pediatric aortic diameters was created using B-mode ultrasound.
- The outer-to-outer measurement method was employed.
- This provides essential reference data for a Nigerian pediatric population.
Background:
B-mode ultrasound is versatile and safe. The sequelae of aortic disorders in children range from stunted growth in hypoplasia to 90% fatality in ruptured aneurysms. Thus, age-based reference values are necessary for early detection of abnormal aortic dimensions.
Objective:
To create age-based reference values of paediatric aorta diameters from B-mode ultrasound using the outer-to-outer method.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective review was done of records of peak systolic anteroposterior aortic diameters, obtained during abdominal ultrasound in children ages 2 days to 17 years between January 2016 and December 2019. Cases were grouped into five age groups.
Results:
A total of 643 cases (49% female) were recruited into the study. Only 488 cases (76%) had values for the proximal, mid and distal aorta. The cumulative mean age was 9.5±5.1 years while the mean aortic diameter ranged from 0.3 cm to 1.8 cm. Tables of aortic diameters and reference ranges are presented. There was no significant sex difference. Significant positive correlation was only seen between age and aortic diameters (Pearson's r ranges from 0.66 to 0.91).
Conclusion:
An age-based paediatric aortic reference table from B-mode ultrasound using outer-to-outer measurement in a Nigerian population is reported.
