[Ultrasonic determination of the size of adrenal glands in newborn infants].
OBJECTIVE
To develop a model to evaluate the size and volume of neonatal adrenal glands.


METHODS
In a prospective study the adrenal glands of 205 healthy newborn (113 male and 92 female, 1610 to 5210 g birth weight) were measured by ultrasound. Using a longitudinal and a transversal scan during inspiration for each side 6 parameters were taken and a formula developed to determine the volume of the gland. The model take in consideration both the "V" and the "Y" form.


RESULTS
In the group with a birth weight of 2800-4000 g the total volume of both glands was 3.42 +/- 1.08 ml (minimum 1.27, maximum 8.02). The ratio of total volume and birth weight changes from 1.1795 ml/kg at the first day of life to 0.7935 at the eighth day; this means an involution of 67%. There was no significant sex difference; the right side contributed 56%; the left side, 44% to the total volume. The total volume was positively correlated to body weight and body surface.


CONCLUSIONS
With this method the size and the volume of the neonatal adrenal gland can be easily be determined and followed.
Klingmüller
V
V
Abteilung Diagnostische Radiologie, MZ für Radiologie, Klinikum der Justus Liebig Universität Giessen.
Gürleyen
N
N
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography