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Pediatric thoracic aorta: normal measurements determined with CT
S W Fitzgerald1, J S Donaldson, A K Poznanski
1Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL.
Insights
Establishing normal thoracic aorta dimensions in children using computed tomography (CT) is crucial for accurate diagnosis. This study provides age-based standards for pediatric thoracic aorta diameters, aiding in the identification of abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Thoracic Imaging
Background:
- Normal thoracic aorta dimensions are established in adults via computed tomography (CT).
- Such normative data is lacking for pediatric populations.
- Accurate pediatric thoracic aorta measurements are essential for diagnosing various cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal standards for thoracic aorta dimensions in children and adolescents.
- To provide reference values for interpreting pediatric chest CT scans.
- To facilitate the differentiation between normal and abnormal thoracic aortas in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of contrast-enhanced chest CT scans from 117 children and adolescents (2 weeks to 19 years).
- Exclusion of patients with congenital heart disease, vascular anomalies, renal disease, hypertension, or connective-tissue disorders, resulting in 97 studies.
- Measurement of thoracic aorta diameters at three distinct levels, with assessment of interobserver and intraobserver variances.
Main Results:
- A direct linear relationship was observed between patient age and thoracic aorta diameter.
- Regression analysis was performed to establish age-specific normative data.
- The developed standards provide a basis for comparison with individual pediatric patient measurements.
Conclusions:
- This study successfully established normal standards for thoracic aorta dimensions in children and adolescents.
- These normative data are valuable for the accurate interpretation of pediatric chest CT scans.
- The findings aid in distinguishing normal aortic development from pathological conditions in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Normal thoracic aortic dimensions in adults have been established by means of computed tomography (CT), but such measurements are not available in children. To establish normal standards, contrast material-enhanced chest CT scans of 117 children and adolescents, ranging in age from 2 weeks to 19 years, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with congenital heart disease, vascular anomalies, renal disease, hypertension, and connective-tissue disorders were excluded, resulting in 97 studies. Diameters of the thoracic aortas were measured at three levels. Interobserver and intraobserver variances were determined. A direct linear relationship to patient age was observed, and regression analysis was performed. These standards help in differentiating the normal from the abnormal aorta on chest CT scans of children.