Normal Portal Vein Diameter (PVD) and Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) in Healthy Iranian Children

Abstract

Background: It is crucial to determine the normal portal vein diameter (PVD) and portal vein velocity (PSV) in different populations, and ages since changes in size and velocity of the vein are used as an index in diagnosis of some diseases. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the PVD and Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) in healthy Iranian children. Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study examined 250 healthy Iranian children who were visited in Imaging Center of the Children Medical Center of Excellence. The PVD and PSV were examined by a radiologist using a Doppler ultrasound. Children were classified into five age groups: Under one month, 1 month to 2 years, 2 to 6 years, 6 to 10 years, and 10 to 18 years, and the above-mentioned indices were measured and compared in them. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26 employing the Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis and wald chi-squared tests. Results: In children under one month, one month to 2 years, 2-6 years, 6-10 years, and 10-18 years of age, the mean values of PVD were 4.08, 5.64, 6.14, 7.50, and 8.32 mm, and the mean PSV values were 19.26, 22.20, 21.68, 22.86, and 21.48 cm/s respectively. The mean PVD and PSV increased with increasing age; however, no statistically significant difference was found between the mean values of the indices in both boys and girls (P = 0.18). Conclusions: The PVD and PSV in healthy Iranian children were relatively similar to their non-Iranian counterparts, and the mean values increased with age. Additionally, no significant difference was found between the mean values of PVD and PSV in boys and girls based on gender.