Measurement of Portal Vein Diameter in Sudanese Population Using Computed Tomography

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the mean portal vein in Sudanese population using computed tomography. Number of 50 abdominal CT was performed for Sudanese patient in Khartoum state aged between 18-65 years, 24 female and 26 male, with CT machine –Philips 64 slice. Portal vein was measured precontrast and after injection of contrast media. The results of the study revealed that the mean diameter of main portal vein was [14.99 ±0.99] mm in non-contrast image and [15.74 ±0.98] in post contrast images. The minimum diameter in non-contrast image [13.2 mm], in post contrast image [13.6 mm], and maximum diameter in non-contrast image [17.1 mm], in post contrast image [17.8 mm].Furthermore there was strong correlation between main portal vein diameter and age, as age increased the portal vein diameter increased. The mean portal vein diameter for male [16.05±1.05] mm, is slightly higher than mean diameter for female [15.40 ± 0.81] mm. The liver length and width are increased as age increased; there was no relation between liver size and portal vein diameter. Normal mean portal vein diameter measured on CT was significantly larger (mean 15.74 mm) than the accepted upper limit of 13 mm in the literature as measured by other imaging modalities (ultrasound). Sex, age, height, and body mass index significantly affected main portal vein diameter.