Assessment of normal portal vein diameter in children and adolescents on abdominal contrast-enhanced CT

Abstract

Purpose: To establish the normal ranges of the main portal vein (MPV), left portal vein (LPV), and right portal vein (RPV) diameters in children and adolescents using abdominal contrast-enhanced CT.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled children and adolescents (under 19 years) who underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT examinations in our hospital between January 2018 and January 2024. Subjects with conditions potentially affecting the portal vein diameter were excluded. Subjects' gender and age were collected. The height, weight, and body surface area (BSA) were also collected if available. The diameter of MPV was measured at three points: porta hepatis, midpoint, and the confluence of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein. The diameter of LPV and RPV were also measured. The correlations between age, height, weight, BSA, and portal vein diameters were analyzed.

Results: A total of 1231 individuals were included, comprising 722 boys and 509 girls, with a median age of 10 years. 189 individuals' height, weight, and BSA information were obtained. The normal ranges of MPV, LPV, and RPV, depending on different age, height, weight, and BSA groups, were established. The diameters of MPV, LPV, and RPV were all positively correlated with age, height, weight, and BSA (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions: This study establishes the normal reference ranges for MPV, LPV, and RPV diameters in children and adolescents based on contrast-enhanced CT scans, which will help the diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases.

Keywords: Adolescent; Child; Computed tomography; Portal vein.