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Sonographic Assessment of the Normal Limits and Percentile Curves of Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Dimensions in Healthy School-Aged Children

Departments of Radiology (A.A.S.), Pediatrics (E.S.), and Public Health (T.B.), Duzce School of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Duzce, Turkey.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Alp Alper Safak, MD, Department of Radiology, Duzce School of Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Konuralp 81620, Duzce, Turkey. E-mail: alpalpersafak{at}yahoo.com

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the normal standards of liver, spleen, and kidney dimensions and the relationship of each with sex, age, body weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area in healthy school-aged children. Methods. Seven hundred twelve healthy school-aged children (7–15 years) in 2 neighboring cities, including rural areas and city centers, were evaluated prospectively. Sex, age, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area were determined for each case. Organ dimensions were measured 3 times, and the mean values were recorded. All measured organs had a normal position, shape, and echo texture. The children were separated into 5 groups according to body weight. Results. There were no significant differences in organ dimensions with respect to sex (P > .05). The mean right kidney length was shorter than the left kidney length, and the difference was significant (P = .009). Body weight showed the best correlation with liver, spleen, and kidney dimensions. The results were also supported by the variance and covariance of the correlation coefficients. Conclusions. The normal limits of the liver, spleen, and kidneys are important parameters during a sonographic examination. This study revealed that organ dimensions showed the best correlation with body weight. To our knowledge, in clinical practice there are no pediatric organ dimension percentile graphs for interpretation of sonographic examinations. We hope this study contributes to daily practice in radiology clinics.

Key Words: dimensions • kidney • liver • spleen • sonography

Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index • BSA, body surface area