Normative Data on Inferior Mesenteric Vein Caliber in the Pediatric Population

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Pediatric Imaging
• Vascular Anatomy

Background:

• The inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) is vital to the portal venous system.
• Normative developmental data for pediatric IMV caliber are limited.
• Accurate pediatric IMV measurements are essential for diagnosing abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate age- and sex-related changes in IMV caliber in a pediatric cohort.
• To establish normative IMV caliber and IMV-to-L1TD ratio data.
• To provide a reference for pediatric computed tomography (CT) evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Contrast-enhanced CT scans of 200 pediatric subjects (ages 1-20) were analyzed.
• Measurements included terminal (IMV1), intermediate (IMV2), and pelvic (IMV3) IMV calibers.
• Ratios of IMV calibers to L1TD and IMV drainage patterns were recorded.

Main Results:

• IMV calibers (IMV1, IMV2, IMV3) and L1TD showed significant age-related increases (p < 0.001).
• IMV1/L1TD and IMV3/L1TD ratios varied significantly with age (p < 0.05).
• IMV3 was larger in males; splenic vein was the most common IMV termination site.

Conclusions:

• This study presents normative, age-specific IMV caliber and IMV-to-L1TD ratio data for children.
• These findings offer a practical reference for radiological assessment of pediatric IMV abnormalities.
• The data support routine CT evaluation of the pediatric mesentericoportal venous system.