The role of abdominal aortic ultrasound

Diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta in children with cerebral palsy

The diameters of the infrarenal abdominal aorta by ultrasonography have not yet been reported in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Because the demand for the surgical applications of the abdominal aorta probably increases in the CP population owing to their prolonged life-span, we planned a study to assess the diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta by ultrasonography in children with CP and to compare them with those of healthy subjects. The study comprised 60 children with CP and 95 age- and sex-matched healthy children. The diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta was measured by B-mode ultrasonography. The correlation between the aortic diameter, weight, height, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index was studied. The diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta was found to be smaller in children with CP than in healthy children (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the aortic diameter, weight, height, and BSA in both groups (p < 0.05). When a vascular surgical treatment is needed in children with CP, the probability of a small-diameter infrarenal abdominal aorta should be considered.

Diameter of the infrarenal aorta and the iliac arteries in children: ultrasound measurements

BACKGROUND

In adults, the diameters of the infrarenal abdominal aorta and the iliac vessels on ultrasound (US) are known. Similar values have not yet been reported in children. The purpose of this study was to establish a nomogram for these diameters in children. Therefore, the aim is to delineate another factor to limit intraoperative graft lost.

METHODS

Studies were performed in 176 healthy children from 1 to 16 years of age. The diameters of the aorta and iliac arteries were measured by B-mode ultrasound at predefined sites. A correlation of the vessel diameter, age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area (BSA) was performed.

RESULTS

At all measured points, vessel diameters were significantly (P<0.0001) larger in boys than in girls. There was a significant (P<0.0001) increase of all the vessel diameters over age in both sexes. Vessel diameters correlate positively with age, gender, weight, height, and BSA. The highest correlation was found to be with BSA (r > or = 0.8, P<0.0001). Nomograms for each arterial diameter could be established for males and females separately.

CONCLUSION

Normal US values of the diameter of the infrarenal aorta and the iliac vessels have been determined for children. The change in diameter strongly correlates with BSA. The nomograms can be of great help in the pretransplantation assessment of these vessels.