Age-dependent changes in diameters of abdominal visceral arteries in children

Purpose: The diameters of the abdominal aorta and its branches are affected by demographic properties of patients like age, sex or body mass index. Some researchers use the body of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) as an anatomical indicator to create an exact standard for diagnosing arterial aneurysms or stenoses. In this regard, this work designed to uncover relations of abdominal visceral arteries with L1 in normal children using their abdominopelvic computed tomography images.

Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 180 subjects (age range 1-18 years) without any abdominopelvic disorders. The diameters of the abdominal visceral arteries were measured and the ratios of these arteries to L1 were calculated.

Results: The diameters of the abdominal visceral arteries increased from infancy period up to postpubescent period (p < 0.001), but L1's diameter did not change after late childhood period. Measurements in males were statistically similar to those in females, excepts from the transverse diameter of L1 (p = 0.001), the diameter of the common hepatic artery at the distal level (p = 0.002), and the diameter of the inferior mesenteric artery at the distal level (p = 0.019), which were greater in males than females. The ratios of diameters of the abdominal visceral arteries to L1 increased with advancing age (p < 0.001). Ratios in males were statistically similar to those in females (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Our age-specific diameters and ratios regarding abdominal visceral arteries may facilitate the diagnosis of vascular disorders in children.