Sonographic Reference Luminal Diameter of the Abdominal Aorta among Subjects in Nigeria

• Published in: Health science journal 2020-01, p.1-5
• Main Authors: Okpaleke, Michael S, Ikamaise, Valentine C, Ogolodom, Michael P, Agbo, Julius, Mbaba, Awajimijan N, Egwuanmku, Kester, Egbeyemi, Oluwafemi O, Ejaegwu, Uche N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdomen; Aneurysms; Body mass index; Medical imaging
• ISSN: 1791-809X; 1791-809X
• DOI: 10.36648/1791-809X.S2.005

Abstract Background: There are no local baseline reference values to aid accurate ultrasound diagnosis of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and abdominal aortic aneurysm in Abuja, Nigeria. Keywords: Aorta; Luminal diameter; Ultrasonography; Reference level; Age Received: December 02, 2020, Accepted: December 16, 2020, Published: December 21, 2020 Introduction The abdominal aorta (AA) is the largest artery in the body with normal diameter of approximately 20 mm, which supplies oxygenated blood to major abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, gonads, diaphragm and pelvis [1]. An abnormally dilated aorta occurs when the diameter of the abdominal aorta exceeds 3.0 cm in overall diameter [3,4] and being at least one and half times the suprarenal aortic diameter [5,6] Focal dilatation of the aorta is referred to as aortic aneurysm and rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm can lead to death within minutes as approximately 90% of patients die before reaching the operating room [7]. A good knowledge of the normal luminal diameter of the abdominal aorta is a prerequisite for the recognition and diagnosis of aortic abnormalities such as abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA and stenosis.