Impact of anthropometrical parameters on portal vein diameter and liver size in a subset of Karachi based population.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to study the impact of anthropometrical parameters on portal vein diameter and liver size by ultrasound in a subset of Karachi population.


METHODS
Four hundred and fifty nine apparently healthy subjects were included in this cross sectional study. After recording weight and height of each subject, Portal vein diameter and both liver lobes were measured by gray scale ultrasonography. Students T test and ANOVA were applied for statistical analyses.


RESULTS
With increasing age, portal vein diameter and right lobe of liver increased significantly (p value < 0.001). Increase in portal vein diameter was also observed with rise in body mass index (0.8 cm in underweight - 1.1 cm in obese subjects). Sizes of right and left liver lobes also increased with a rise in body mass index (p value < 0.001 and 0.001). Gender, however, did not have any effect on portal vein diameter and liver size.


CONCLUSIONS
Age and body mass index are reliable parameters to consider for avoiding false positive diagnosis of hepatomegaly and portal hypertension. Knowing the right and left liver size with respect to anthropometrical measurements also assist a clinician in selecting a subject for liver transplantation.
Dr. Tanya Raza Siddiqui, MBBS, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Ziauddin College of Medicine, Ziauddin University Hospital, Clifton Campus,Karachi, Pakistan.
Tanya
T
Raza Siddiqui
Prof. Nuzhat Hassan, M. Phil, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Anatomy, Ziauddin College of Medicine, Ziauddin University Hospital, Clifton Campus,Karachi, Pakistan.
Nuzhat
N
Hassan
Dr. Pashmina Gul, FCPS, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Ziauddin College of Medicine, Ziauddin University Hospital, Clifton Campus,Karachi, Pakistan.
Pashmina
P
Gul
Anthropometrical measurements; Liver; Portal vein diameter