Abstract
PURPOSE : To our knowledge, there are few published data concerning hemodynamics of abdominal organs in children. Therefore, an analysis of hepatic and splenic hemodynamics in normal children using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) was undertaken. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Hundred and six normal children were divided into four age groups (neonatal, infantile, preschool, and school period) and were studied. Mean blood flow velocity (Vmean), blood flow volume (Q), blood flow volume per body weight (Q/BW) in portal vein, splenic vein, proper hepatic artery, and splenie artery were measured using Aloka SSD-870. RESULTS : 1. Vmean in portal vein was 15.4±3.5cm/second, that in splenic vein was 11.3±2.3, and there were no significant differences between the groups. But Vmean in arteries was significantly larger in the elder age groups. 2. In all the studied vessels, Q was significantly larger in the elder age groups. But Q/BW was significantly larger in the younger age groups. 3. Total liver blood flow volume seemed to reflect liver weight per body weight ratio. 4. Usefulness of CDUS in analizing hepatic and splenic hemodynamics in children was proved. CONCLUSION : We are intending to analyze hepatic and splenic hemodynamics in digestive diseases in children using data provided by this study.
