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Reference values for paediatric abdominal aorta on B-mode ultrasound – an outer-to-outer methodology

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

I thank Dr. Temitayo Fasuyi for her help in conception and proofreading of the manuscript. I also thank Oluwatimilehin Okunowo, MPH, for the review assistance provided.

I am thankful to the management of Funbell Diagnostics for allowing me to conduct this study. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Abayomi Olubitan, operations manager, for his tremendous help. I am grateful to Dr. Solomon Adebayo of Ayotola Specialist Hospital and Dr. Emeka Ezeazu of Everight Diagnostics Centre for their great contributions to my ultrasound training.

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  1. Funbell Diagnostics, Funbell Place, 8, Okusehide Street, New Agodi G.R.A., Ibadan, 200223, Oyo State, Nigeria

    Olutunde Olutomola Oluwole

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  1. Olutunde Olutomola Oluwole
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Oluwole, O.O. Reference values for paediatric abdominal aorta on B-mode ultrasound – an outer-to-outer methodology. Pediatr Radiol 53, 875–884 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05568-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05568-4

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