Reference Values of the Celiac Trunk, Abdominal Aorta and Superior Mesenteric Artery in Children According to Ultrasound

Objective . To determine reference values of internal diameters and peak systolic velocities in the abdominal aorta (AA), celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in children aged 0 to 18 years, taking into account age and body weight. Materials and Methods . Data from 132 healthy children (64 boys, 68 girls) aged 0.2 to 17.8 years (median 8.1 years) were analyzed. Six patients with anatomical variants were excluded. The following parameters were assessed: internal diameter of the AA, CT and SMA, peak systolic velocity (PSV) in these vessels, CT angle, and body weight. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric methods, correlation and regression analysis. Results . Reference values of internal diameters and peak systolic velocities were established for five age groups (0–1 year, 1–3 years, 4–7 years, 8–12 years, and 13–18 years). The internal diameter of the abdominal aorta increases from 7.5 mm in the 0–1 year group to 14.5 mm in the 13–18 year group, and the peak systolic velocity increases from 115 to 150 cm/s, respectively. Strong correlations were found between vessel diameters and both age and body weight (r = 0.80–0.88, p < 0.001). Multiple regression models were constructed, explaining up to 81% of the variability in diameters. Conclusion . The presented reference values of internal diameters and peak systolic velocities in the abdominal aorta, celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery in children can serve as a basis for interpreting ultrasound results. The developed multiple regression models allow calculating predicted diameters for children of any age taking into account individual anthropometric characteristics.