Reference values for normal main portal vein diameter in subjects aged 1–80 years

Demographic features of subjects such as body mass index, height, weight, age or sex affect diameters of vessels like main portal vein (MPV). Some articles use different anatomical indicators like L1’s body for creating a complete standard while diagnosing venous pathologies. This work aimed to display relationships of portal veins with L1 in normal subjects aged 1–80 years. Abdominopelvic computed tomography views of 800 subjects were included in the work. The diameter of left (LPV) and right (RPV) branches of MPV, and the diameter of MPV at the distal level (MPV1), the middle level (MPV2), and the proximal level (MPV3) were measured. The transverse diameter of L1’s body (L1TD) was measured. The ratios of vein diameters to L1TD were calculated. Age affected the diameters of portal veins and L1’s body. L1TD increased until the early 50 s, but thereafter showed no statistically significant change. The diameters of portal veins increased from birth to approximately the early 50 s, but then decreased statistically. Moreover, MPV1 / L1TD, MPV2 / L1TD and MPV3 / L1TD generally showed a pattern of first increasing and then decreasing with advancing age, whereas RPV / L1TD and LPV / L1TD showed a pattern of decreasing with advancing age. L1TD was greater in males than females (p < 0.001). MPV1, MPV2, MPV3, RPV and LPV were statistically similar for both sexes (p > 0.05). Age-specific diameter measurements and calculated ratios in our study may be useful for clinicians to diagnose disorders regarding portal system in pediatric and adult subjects.